Tikrit falls quickly despite last stand fears

US troops entered Saddam Hussein’s home town of Tikrit yesterday, meeting little resistance despite fears it could be the scene of a last stand by regime diehards.

Tanks rolled into the main square overnight after coalition warplanes bombarded the city. Journalists travelling with US forces reported that they quickly took control.

ITV News reporter Julian Manyon, speaking from the centre of Tikrit, said: "This area is completely secure. There are American soldiers everywhere and there are no signs of resistance.