British troops mistreated nine Iraqi detainees following a fierce battle a decade ago, but false allegations of murder and torture were the product of “deliberate lies, reckless speculation and ingrained hostility”, a judge-led inquiry has found.

Graphic pictures of dead Iraqis, some showing signs of alleged torture at the hands of British troops, were shown at the opening of a public inquiry.

A FARMER who secretly built a castle hidden behind walls of straw has vowed: “This house will never be knocked down.”

Stores were gearing up for Harry Potter mania today as the first fans queued to get their hands on the book.