Vietnam veterans accused of Kerry 'smear'

Lawyers for presidential hopeful John Kerry today 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 that Kerry, who is challenging George Bush for the presidency, also burned down a village and ordered animals to be shot during his time as a Navy officer in Vietnam.