Six British soldiers charged over Lanzarote brawl

Costa Teguise is a popular tourist resort

Six British soldiers have been charged with assault following an alleged brawl in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.

The men, from the Welsh Guards, are said to have caused significant damage to a restaurant in Costa Teguise, Spanish news agency EFE reports.

It is alleged the incident was triggered when staff challenged two of the soldiers who tried to steal a bottle of wine on Saturday night.

Five were arrested that night, and the sixth on Monday.

The soldiers are accused of causing bodily harm, of assaulting an official and of causing damage. They have been remanded in custody.

Local media reports say the restaurant was packed with customers, including young children, at the time.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that six soldiers have been arrested.

A spokesman said: "All those who are found to fall short of the Army's high standards or who are found to have committed an offence under the Armed Forces Act 2006 are dealt with administratively (up to and including discharge) or through the discipline process, as appropriate."