Poles held 'over Afghan deaths'

Polish soldiers were involved in clashes in Afghanistan in August

Seven Polish soldiers who served with Nato-led forces in Afghanistan have been arrested on suspicion of breaking international law, officials say.

A defence ministry spokesman said they were detained in connection with an incident in August when civilians were killed during a clash with insurgents.

No more details were given, but the ministry said the troops had allegedly violated conventions on war conduct.

Around 1,200 Polish soldiers are serving in Afghanistan.

"The arrest of the soldiers follows their violation of the standards of international law and notably the Hague and Geneva Conventions," the Polish defence ministry said in a statement.

A spokesman, Jaroslaw Rybak, told Polish television the soldiers were detained in connection with an incident in eastern Afghanistan on 16 August.

On that day Isaf, the Nato-led force in Afghanistan, said five civilians had been killed and three wounded, when coalition troops returned fire after being attacked by Taleban insurgents in the east of the country.

No more details were given, and it was not clear what the soldiers' involvement may have been.

A prosecutor said charges were expected to follow on Wednesday.

The incident followed only two days after the death of a Polish soldier, the country's first fatality since it joined Isaf in March 2002.