Iraqi police say they have arrested two men who tried to kill Uday Hussein, the eldest son of President Saddam Hussein, in December 1996.

Three others suspected of involvement in the assassination attempt are said to be still at large.

A statement by the General Police Directorate broadcast on Iraqi television accused a neighbouring country of involvement in the attack, but did not name the country.

According to the statement, the name of the country was withheld in order to give time for "Iraqi authorities concerned to inform officials of that state through the right channels in order to know their reaction to to such vicious involvement".

The statement also said that the three other suspects were sheltering in the neighbouring country.

Uday Hussein was badly wounded when his car was ambushed by gunmen in Baghdad.

A pro-Iranian group said at the time that it was behind the attack, but Tehran has consistently denied any involvement