Mortar attack on British HQ

A British military base in Iraq has come under mortar attack. The explosion happened just after 8pm last night at the main headquarters in Basra, a spokesman said.

Former Saddam loyalists are believed to have been behind the attack, the first on the British base for several weeks.

There are not thought to have been any casualties or serious damage to the base, a former palace of Saddam Hussein, which is home to the 19th Mechanised Brigade.

Major Charlie Mayo said patrols will be mounted to find out who was responsible.

British troops have seen protests in Basra in recent days as Iraqi exsoldiers mounted demonstrations over pay. One protester was killed and others injured.