14 Baghdad civilians 'killed in US action'

At least 14 people were killed early today in a US attack on a western Baghdad neighbourhood, police and residents said.

US command officials in Baghdad said they were aware of the report, but had no immediate comment.

The early-morning attack came in the Washash area, next to the Mansour district of Baghdad, where several houses showed signs of damage.

Residents reported hearing explosions at about 3am local time that then went on for about 45 minutes to an hour.

A police officer said US helicopters had attacked the area, killing 14 civilians and injuring 10 others.

On the scene, however, residents said they thought it had been a mortar attack and said 27 people had been killed. Some said US planes were involved.