British soldiers accused of raping man in Bosnia

Military police are investigating claims that two British servicemen serving in Bosnia raped a male Dutch soldier.

One serviceman has flown back to Britain following an allegation of sexual assault, the British Ministry of Defence said.

The alleged victim has not yet identified the other person alleged to have been involved in the incident, according to a spokesman.

All three are part of the Nato-led international SFOR peacekeeping force, which aims to prevent a renewal of fighting in the Balkans.

The Dutch soldier complained to senior officers that he was raped at a British base in north west Bosnia on Saturday night.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Obviously we are very concerned by the nature and the seriousness of the allegation."

About 2,000 British troops are stationed in Bosnia as part of the 20,000-strong SFOR contingent.

A Nato spokesman refused to comment, saying it was an issue for the military authorities of the countries involved.