London: Iraqis were "tortured" by British troops, who killed some 20 in fighting at Al-Majar al-Kebir in the South of the country on May 14, reported the 'Guardian'.

The allegations are contained in official death certificates seen by the 'Guardian' written by Dr Adel Salid Majid, the director of the hospital in Majar al Kabir, on May 15, the day after the battle.

Of 22 certificates issued by hospital, seven reported signs of "mutilation" and "torture".

The daily gave details of the cases: Ahmad al-Helfi, a 19-year-old casual labourer, is described as having "several bullet injuries to the body, with blueness of the left eye and a cut-wound by a sharp tool on the right arm. In addition, there are signs of beating and torturing all over the body."

Haider al-Lami, 21, also a casual labourer, had "several bullet injuries to the body, with mutilation". His penis had been "severed".

Hamed al-Suadi, 19, is recorded as having "bullet wounds on the neck and the foot. There are signs of torture - with right arm fractured and full distortion of the face".

Another victim, Ali al-Jemindari, 37, had "several bullet injuries in head, face and the body, with slash marks on the neck. The right arm has been severed at the shoulder. There is a large opening in the right cheek and the removal by gouging of the right eye".

Majid told the 'Guardian', "On May 15, the police came and asked us to send ambulances to the British base to collect some bodies. When they brought the 22 bodies, it was a surprise to us to see some of these bodies mutilated and tortured.