AN investigation into claims that a North-based soldier was sexually assaulted by comrades - who filmed the incident on a mobile phone - could be published this week.

The Royal Military Police launched an inquiry after a complaint was made by the parent of a recruit at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, where the attack is said to have happened in a dormitory.

But the mother of another young soldier, who died at the base in 1997, says inquiries into such allegations should be handled by independent investigators unconnected with the military.

Footage obtained by a national newspaper appears to show one of a group of soldiers pinning down a semi-naked male recruit as another tries to rape him.

The two-minute film is understood to show up to five others urging on the assailant and taunting the victim for being gay. It is said to end with the soldier curled up on a bed.

The alleged victim is understood to have declined to file an official complaint.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that an investigation was under way by the Royal Military Police, but would not comment further.

However, Major David Cunningham, spokesman for the School of Infantry at Catterick Garrison, confirmed that the allegations involved the Tamera Platoon of the Parachute Regiment, due to be sent to Afghan-istan next spring.

He said a complaint was received on May 19 about an incident alleged to have happened in April.

"The Royal Military Police special investigation branch was immediately called in and a report is imminent, we are told by the end of the week," he said.

A member of the Tamera platoon, who was not named, told the national newspaper that the attack took place after recruits had been drinking in Darlington towards the end of last month.

Last year, a ten-month inquiry into allegations of bullying of recruits at Catterick Garrison ended with no charges being brought.

Lynn Farr, whose son, Daniel, died while he was a recruit at the Infantry Training Centre at the garrison, said allegations of bullying should be independently investigated.

"Yet again, it is the Army investigating the Army," she said. "I would like to see a complaint made to the civilian police and for them to pick it up."

Mrs Farr urged the victim of the alleged sexual assault to contact Daniel's Trust, which she launched to help young bullied soldiers, for legal advice and emotional support.

The trust can be contacted on 01430-810768.