British military police are helping to patrol Iraqi towns

Initial reports suggest they came under attack from gunmen in a pick-up truck, as their vehicle was patrolling in Basra.

Although is not yet known what the exact duties of these soldiers were, the Ministry of Defence says the regiment would typically take on jobs including training and liaison.

"Part of the RMP role is to help and assist the Iraqi police get themselves back on their feet," a spokesman said.

"It's part and parcel of trying to normalise the situation in the area."

Mobile force

All RMP personnel - both soldiers and officers - have to complete an investigations course at its training school in Chichester in West Sussex.

Its personnel are soldiers and members spend a large amount of time on exercise with the regular Army.

During any conflict or war its officers are automatically deployed and aim to provide a highly mobile force, able to "saturate" the ground and direct the field Army.

In recent years they have been involved extensively in the Gulf, Rwanda, Bosnia and Kosovo.

Prisoners of war

Officers deployed to conflict areas support soldiers on the ground, advising commanders on the movement of troops.

RMP traffic posts are deployed along the main routes to provide a constant flow of information about the progress of front line soldiers and supplies.

Officers would also be responsible for handling prisoners of war and helping to prevent crime within the local community.

Back in Britain, where the majority of RMP personnel work, officers carry out day-to-day police duties for the Army.

Specialist units include close protection - where specially selected officers act as bodyguards for people at risk.