London: The 'Daily Mirror' newspaper apologised yesterday (May 14, 2004) for publishing faked photographs of alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners by British forces, and the editor stepped down.

The move by the newspaper and its owners, Trinity Mirror PLC, came hours after commanders of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment bitterly denounced the pictures, and said they had proof that the photos said to be taken in Iraq had been staged in Britain.

'Daily Mirror' Editor Piers Morgan had staunchly defended the photos, which caused an uproar when they were published on May 1.

The Government said yesterday that it had concluded the pictures, including one of a soldier allegedly urinating on a hooded prisoner, were fakes.

"The 'Daily Mirror' published in good faith photographs which it absolutely believed were genuine images of British soldiers abusing an Iraqi prisoner,'' the newspaper said.

"However, there is now sufficient evidence to suggest that these pictures are fakes and that the 'Daily Mirror' has been the subject of a calculated and malicious hoax.''

The Regiment's commander said today it had conclusive evidence that a truck seen in the photos had never been in Iraq where the 'Daily Mirror' had claimed the photos were taken.

The newspaper said it would be "inappropriate'' for Piers Morgan to continue as editor, and he had stepped down with immediate effect.