A fourth soldier has been arrested over a video of British troops appearing to abuse Iraqi civilians, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

A Royal Military Police inquiry began last month after footage apparently showing young Iraqis being beaten up was published by the News Of The World.

Three soldiers have already been arrested over the video, shot in the town of Al-Amarah, southern Iraq.

Those involved are thought to have been from the 1st Battalion, Light Infantry.

The video, taken in 2004, apparently showed a group of up to 10 soldiers punching, kicking and headbutting a number of young Iraqis, following the aftermath of a violent riot near their base.

A spokesman for the MoD said an investigation was still ongoing.

"The Royal Military Police need time to conduct a thorough investigation to identify all those involved and failings that might have occurred," he said.

"Significant progress is being made. I can confirm four serving soldiers have now been arrested."

He said that, while British soldiers are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour, "they also deserve the same rights as British citizens".

"This means they remain innocent until proven guilty and they do not lose that right because they serve in uniform."

PHOTO CAPTION

British soldiers look out on oil fields from the back of a military helicopter near the southern Iraq city of Basra February 8, 2005. (REUTERS)

BBC