Scotland yard probes Saddam war crimes claim

Scotland Yard said today it was investigating war crimes allegations made against Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.

The investigation centres on more than 4,500 Britons taken hostage in Iraq and Kuwait at the start of the Gulf War.

Evidence collated by London-based group Indict, which campaigns for the indictment of Iraqi war criminals, was handed to Attorney General Lord Williams of Mostyn.

Although he concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges, he referred the case to Scotland Yard for further investigation.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: ‘‘We can confirm that the Attorney General’s office has passed certain documents from Indict to the Metropolitan Police Service.

‘‘These documents are being considered and advice is being sought as to what, if any, further action is practicable.’’