Soldiers on Cyprus bar brawl charge

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It is understood the charges arose from a brawl in the Bedrock bar in the popular holiday resort, which is known for its lively nightlife.

Cypriot state radio quoted local police as saying at least 20 British soldiers from the nearby Dhekelia garrison are suspected of attacking the pub owner and five customers, smashing chairs, bottles and glasses. Two locals and three British soldiers were reportedly injured.

British Military Police are working closely with Cypriot police on their inquiry into the incident.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "We can confirm there was an incident on Friday night in the Cypriot town of Ayia Napa involving a number of British forces.

"We can now confirm that nine soldiers serving with 2 Royal Regiment of Fusiliers have been charged with a variety of offences and inquiries into the incident are continuing.

"The Military Police continue to work closely with the local police as part of this ongoing investigation. No further information is available at this time."

No details were made available of the charges brought by Cypriot authorities against the British servicemen.

Some 3,650 UK personnel and civilian workers are based in Cyprus at Dhekelia and the other military bases of RAF Akrotiri and Episkopi and Ayios Nikolaos.