Media 'to blame' for attacks on UK troops

The UK's senior military officer blamed the media yesterday for making it easier for insurgents to attack British troops in Iraq.

The chief of defence staff, General Sir Michael Walker, said attacks on the Black Watch may have been prompted by media coverage of their deployment to central Iraq. Five members were killed during the month-long mission to Camp Dogwood, near Baghdad.

General Walker told BBC2's Newsnight last night: "I think the contribution towards the initial attacks was certainly enhanced by, if you like, a media picture that was being laid across a number of channels."

Members of the Black Watch began returning to Britain yesterday after their deployment in support of American forces. An initial party arrived at barracks in Warminster, Wiltshire, from Basra. Most of the backing group will return tomorrow.