A British Corporal has been arrested in connection with a video that shows UK troops beating Iraqi teenagers.

A Defence Ministry spokesman confirmed the man is a serving soldier. The spokesman also said the First Battalion of the British Army's Light Infantry Regiment was helping with the investigation.

It is alleged the footage shows soldiers dragging Iraqi youths behind a wall before beating and kicking them.

Around 80,000 British troops have served in Iraq since the start of the US-led invasion of the country in March 2003.

They have been credited in the main with establishing good relationships with the local community.

But it is feared this latest incident could put the 8,500 military personnel currently carrying out their duties in the country at risk of reprisals.

PHOTO CAPTION

British troops abusing Iraqi children. (AFP)