Iraq to investigate duff bomb detector

Iraq's Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki has ordered an investigation into the use of ineffective and dangerous bomb-detection devices Iraq bought from a British company.

Britain has banned the export of the hand-held machine, ADE651, after reports in The Independent and the BBC challenged its effectiveness.

Mr al-Maliki's adviser, Yassin Majid, says the investigation committee will likely look into whether there was any corruption involved in purchase of the machines.

A US military study said the devices were ineffective, but Iraqi officials have defended the gadgets as useful in preventing deadly attacks. The British head of the detector company has been arrested.