The international peace-keeping force in East Timor is investigating allegations that a group of Australian troops have been sexually harrassing local women.

Off-duty soldiers were said to have made two visits to a house in the capital, Dili, demanding to see one of six sisters who lived there.

The family alleges that the soldiers were drunk.

The peacekeeping force commander, General Peter Cosgrove, says officers have apologised to the family and are treating the allegations very seriously.

He said he was disappointed and very angry about the alleged incidents.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service