Ingram: Announced 'serious incident'

A suicide attack has killed three British soldiers in Iraq, it has been announced.

In a statement to the Commons late on Thursday evening, defence minister Adam Ingram said a "serious incident" had also caused a number of injuries.

Ingram later confirmed that a "vehicle-borne improvised explosive device" had caused the causalities in a suicide attack.

Following the initial bombing, the British troops came under mortar fire.

Ingram told MPs of his sympathy for the families of the dead soldiers.

"The process of informing next of kin is underway," he said.

"I know I speak for the whole House when I say our thoughts are with our soldiers and their loved ones."

Tony Blair's spokesman said: "The prime minister's thoughts are with the Black Watch and the families of the Black Watch."

The attack took place in the area of central Iraq where Black Watch troops have controversially been redeployed to relieve American forces.

Ingram said that US forces in the area had provided "urgent medical support at the scene of the incident".

The government has insisted that the deployment was necessary as part of military operations to improve security in Iraq ahead of January's elections.

But critics have suggested the move was designed to help the Bush administration ahead of this week's US election.

'Grave news'

Conservative defence spokesman Nicholas Soames expressed his sorrow at the "grave news" and sent his "deepest condolences" to the families of those involved.

"The whole country will want to wish the Black Watch well as they continue to carry out their duties," he added.

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy said the news was "a terrible moment for the families and friends of the three soldiers who have died serving their country".

"I want to offer my deepest sympathy and condolences," he added.

"For the close family of those who have been injured, this will be an extremely worrying and alarming time.  I am sure that everyone will be thinking of them tonight."

The SNP's Annabelle Ewing, whose Perth constituency contains the Black Watch's regimental headquarters, offered her "heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones" of the dead soldiers.

"There will be a feeling of great sadness right across Perthshire where the Black Watch is considered family," she said.

"At the time of this redeployment to the dangerous northern zone in Iraq, I voiced the concerns felt by many Black Watch families and I wish the Black Watch Godspeed and a safe return home."