Marines’ ‘bullying’ video sparks criminal probe

A CRIMINAL investigation has begun into alleged violent bullying rituals within the Royal Marines.

Britain’s Ministry of Defence announced an urgent probe after a video emerged seemingly of a new recruit being beaten unconscious as part of an initiation ceremony.

Stills from the film, obtained by the News of the World, show the naked man forced to take part in a fist fight.

He is then apparently kicked in the face by another man, claimed to be one of his superiors in 42 Commando, and knocked out.

An MoD spokesperson said: “The Royal Marines take these allegations extremely seriously and have a zero tolerance policy on bullying and harassment.”

He said a probe by the Special Investigations Board (SIB) had been launched.

The video was covertly filmed by another marine who witnessed the fight in a field in Bickleigh Barracks, near Plymouth, according to the newspaper.

Twelve new recruits are alleged to have taken part in the brutal initiation ritual in May, while around 40 other marines - also stripped naked - watched.