UK troops leave for strife-torn Kosovo

More British troops were leaving for Kosovo today to strengthen the Nato peacekeeping force after violence between Albanians and Serbs left more than 20 dead.

The first group of about 100 soldiers from the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment touched down at Kosovo's Pristina airport overnight.

Others were expected to be deployed over the next four days to help quell the worst ethnic violence since the end of the 1999 war.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon acknowledged last night that further troops may be needed in Kosovo, but said that they might not be British.

The latest violence broke out on Wednesday after Albanians in the city of Kosovska Mitrovica went on the rampage after blaming local Serbs for the drownings of two children.

The clashes spread, leaving 22 dead and hundreds injured, including dozens of UN police and peacekeeping troops.

The violence continued yesterday, with houses set alight in the town of Obilic.