Inquiry into missing ITN crew

Nerac was a colleague of Terry Lloyd

A military investigation has been launched into the disappearance of ITN cameraman Fred Nerac and translator Hussein Osman in Iraq.

The two men went missing nine weeks ago in a shooting incident during the war.

Veteran ITN reporter Terry Lloyd was killed in the same episode near Az Zubayr, which involved coalition and Iraqi forces.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed on Tuesday the Royal Military Police would conduct an investigation.

An MoD spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that the Royal Military Police have launched an investigation but at this stage, because the investigation is ongoing, I cannot comment further."

We have found out a good deal ourselves, but we need the skills and experience that only the Royal Military Police can offer to conduct a full and formal investigation

Mark Wood
ITN

The French cameraman and Lebanese translator were travelling in a two-car convoy with Terry Lloyd before they vanished on 22 March in southern Iraq.

ITN conducted its own inquiry and had urged the British military, who control the area, to do the same.

In response to the news, ITN chairman Mark Wood said: "We welcome [Defence Secretary] Mr Hoon's decision to give us the help we so desperately need to find out what happened to Fred and Hussein.

"We have found out a good deal ourselves, but we need the skills and experience that only the Royal Military Police can offer to conduct a full and formal investigation.

"We will of course provide the MoD with any assistance and information they may need from us."

Wife's plea

Geoff Hoon had said a formal investigation could not begin until there was evidence of war crimes.

Osman may have been killed by 'friendly fire'

He now believes fresh evidence has come to light which suggests that an Iraqi war crime may have been committed, ITN has been told.

The US military opened an investigation into the incident, but the British authorities were criticised for lack of action.

Mr Nerac's wife Fabienne, 43, wrote to Prime Minister Tony Blair, requesting an interview, because she said the MoD was not answering her.

ITN has said its investigations, conducted by two former SAS soldiers on behalf of the company, suggested at least one of the vehicles had been hit by both American and Iraqi forces in a firefight.