British seize Iraq police in massacre probe

Under cover of thick fog, the soldiers were able to approach several addresses in the port city of Basra undetected and seize seven suspects without a shot being fired, military spokesman Major Charlie Burbridge told AFP.

"The purpose of this raid is not just to apprehend individuals, but it is a precursor to disbanding the Serious Crimes Unit of the Basra police," he said by telephone from the restive southern city.

Burbridge said that British forces, with the support of Iraqi leaders, had found evidence that the unit was involved in "death squad activities" and had decided to wind it up, starting with Friday's raid.