Navy begin probe into crew capture

London: The British Royal Navy has begun a "detailed inquiry" into the circumstances leading to the capture of 15 personnel by Iran, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

Rules of engagement, equipment and procedures will all be analysed, while boarding operations in the Gulf have been suspended, Navy chief Jonathon Band said on Friday.

Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox said there were many unanswered questions about how the crew were seized.

The 15 sailors and marines arrived in the UK on Thursday after being held in Iran for 13 days. Iran claimed they had strayed into its waters, although the UK has insisted they were in Iraqi territory.

Military experts will spend Friday quizzing the 14 men and one woman about their ordeal. They are due to undergo a medical.

Fox said it looked like Iran had succeeded in driving British vessels out of Gulf waters. He suggested that the Navy should resume its presence at the end of the investigation.

Sir Menzies Campbell, the Liberal Democrat leader, said such a decision depended on the findings of the investigation. But he added: "I'm among those who have been arguing it's time for British forces to leave Iraq."

It is understood that the group will be staying at the Royal Marines Base Chivenor, near Barnstaple, north Devon, until at least Friday morning.