The BBC's World Affairs Editor John Simpson entered Pristina, under Belgrade-controlled conditions, on 6 April, and described it as a "deserted city".

During the conflict, Human Rights Watch reported that there had been an "undeniable pattern of forced expulsion" of tens of thousands of civilians from ethnic Albanian areas of the city including Vranjevci, Tashlixhe and Dragodan.

British troops who took control of the city in June immediately began gathering evidence of war crimes - and uncovered a horrific torture chamber which appears to have been used by Serb military police.

The BBC's John Simpson in Pristina: "Even the dead cannot lie in peace in this city"

Witnesses spoke of brutal interrogations and beatings. Weapons found at the scene included a garrote, chainsaw, baseball bats and a noose.

A ravine north of the city contains a reported 82 mounds of what appeared to be freshly dug graves.

Nearby, Serb forces reportedly murdered Kosovo Albanian men in the village of Vlastion. French troops who reached the village confirmed the presence of human remains in ruined homes.

Related stories:
Picture Gallery: A deserted city

Serb 'torture chamber' found