Unidentified attackers fired four rockets on a base with British and Danish troops in southern Iraq, but caused no injuries or damage, Denmark’s military said today.

Iraqi authorities have declared a bird flu alert in the Maysan province and called for security forces to prevent people carrying birds in and out of the southern region.

At least two Iraqis claiming to have been beaten by British soldiers during a 2004 demonstration today said that they would take legal action against the British military and seek compensation.

IRAQI President Jalal Talabani condemned the alleged abuse by British soldiers of Iraqi youths caught on film in 2004, describing it as “unjustified”, his spokesman said yesterday.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani condemned the alleged abuse by British soldiers of Iraqi youths that was caught on film in 2004, describing it as “unjustified”, his spokesman said today.

The commander of British-led forces in south-eastern Iraq said today that concerns expressed about Iranian efforts to influence events in Iraq are based more on speculation than on facts.

Three British soldiers were killed early today during hostile action in southern Iraq, the British command said.

A top level investigation was under way today after six British soldiers were killed and eight injured in two separate attacks in Iraq – the heaviest British combat casualties since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime.