Friendly fire tank deaths 'tragic', says Hoon

Britain's Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon expressed regret today over the “tragic” deaths of two British soldiers whose tank was mistaken for Iraqi armour and destroyed by “friendly fire“.

An investigation was under way into the deaths of Corporal Stephen Allbutt, 35, and Trooper David Clarke, 19, whose Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank was hit by a British tank round during combat on the outskirts of Basra.