BRITISH forces in Iraq have shot and killed civilians, including an eight-year-old girl, according to a report released today.

Amnesty International claims the killings were in situations where UK troops were not under threat and that many of the cases have not been investigated.

Publication of the human rights organisation's report came only hours after Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon pledged that any abuse of Iraqi prisoners would be "rooted out" during a turbulent Commons session yesterday.

Even normally loyal Labour MPs said that Britain and the US were in danger of ''losing the peace'' in Iraq as the impact of the abuse allegations were felt around the Arab world.

MPs reacted with incredulity as he disclosed that ministers had not been shown a Red Cross report highlighting concerns about treatment of detainees in Iraq until "very recently".

He said that some British troops were facing allegations similar to those against US soldiers who have been photographed forcing Iraqis to carry out sexually humiliating acts.

Following its report, Amnesty called for a civilian-led investigation into all killings by British forces, with the findings made public.

The report was compiled following visits to UK-administered southern Iraq in February and March by delegates from Amnesty who interviewed families, witnesses, Iraqi police officers and officials of the Coalition Provisional Authority.

The organisation said it was unable to estimate the total number of deaths which could be attributed to British personnel.

But the report also highlighted killings of former members of Saddam Hussein's Baathist regime by vigilante groups, who have also targeted alcohol sellers, shops selling "immoral" music and videos and members of the Christian minority.

No prosecutions have been brought in such cases and some Iraqi police officers have suggested that they regard the killing of former Baathists as justified.

Amnesty's UK director, Kate Allen, said: ''We are told in the UK that southern Iraq is comparatively safe and secure, yet Iraqis on the ground have painted a very different picture. People live in fear of armed groups who can strike with seeming impunity.

''Killings by UK forces, in situations where they should not be using lethal force, are examined in secrecy.

''Instead of the Army deciding whether to investigate itself when civilians are killed, there must be impartial and civilian-led investigations.''

Today's report details the case of eight-year-old Hanan Saleh Matrud, who was reportedly shot by a soldier of B Company of the 1st Battalion of the King's Regiment in August last year.

A witness told Amnesty's researchers that, rather than being hit accidentally by a warning shot as the Army has said, Hanan was killed when a soldier aimed at her and fired a shot from about 60 metres.

The report also highlights the death of Ghanem Kadhem Kati, 22, who was shot outside his front door while celebrating a family wedding.

Today's report also raises concerns over the compensation scheme for families whose loved ones are killed by UK troops.

But it does welcome efforts by the UK authorities to strengthen the Iraqi police force.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We take our obligations under the Geneva Conventions and international law very seriously.

''There are a number of investigations into allegations of mistreatment under way, but until we see the report we cannot really comment."

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