CANTERBURY MP Julian Brazier has called for an early end to the investigation into the alleged conduct of Col Tim Collins in Iraq.

Reported allegations against Col Collins include punching, kicking and threatening Iraqi soldiers, pistol whipping an Iraqi civil leader and firing near the feet of Iraqi civilians.

Col Collins, former commanding officer of the Canterbury-based Royal Irish Regiment, received high praise during the conflict for a rousing speech to his troops.

Mr Brazier, who has written to the Secretary of State for Defence, said: "Of course any allegations must be investigated but I do hope this can be done quickly as possible, so that Col Collins' name can be cleared as quickly as possible, if as seems likely, the allegations prove unfounded.

"The local community is proud of the Royal Irish Regiment, and the citizens of southern Iraq are fortunate that the tactics used by our armed forces brought peace and order to their streets so quickly."

It is believed the allegations against Col Collins, which he is confident he will be cleared of, were made by an American officer.

Mr Brazier said: "If the reports are true that these allegations stem only from American personnel attached to the Royal Irish, I hope that the investigators will bear in mind that the American army does not have the same level of training in low-intensity warfare and riot control as the British Army."

Col Collins left the regiment on promotion from Lt Col after the return from Iraq.