Kerry camp attacks 'smears' on war service

LAWYERS for presidential hopeful John Kerry yesterday attacked "false and libellous" political adverts by former Vietnam veterans who claim the senator shot a fleeing teenager during the war and lied to win medals.

The group, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, claim Mr Kerry, who is challenging George W Bush for the presidency, also burned down a village and ordered animals to be shot during his time as a Navy officer in Vietnam.

The former veterans, funded by a wealthy Texan Republican donor, have bought €400,000 worth of advertising time to make their claims.