New roadside bombs have been used against UK troops

UK generals in Basra have said advanced technology from Iran has been used to kill British troops in southern Iraq.

On Wednesday, Tory MP Patrick Mercer said British commanders in Basra had asked for around 600 more troops so they could seal the border with Iran.

The Ministry of Defence said the claim was "absolutely categorically untrue".

But Mr Mercer maintained a call for more troops to be sent out to Iraq was rejected by the MoD - but admitted it might not have been a formal request.

A MoD spokesman said no such request had been made by General Dutton who heads up the multinational Division South East - if it had it would have been carefully considered and the troops provided.

However, he did ask for reinforcements to be sent out to cover a "roulment" or changeover of troops who had come to the end of their six month tour of Iraq.

That was agreed and one company of 90 soldiers was sent out to cover the handover period.

Mr Mercer, a former army officer, also raised the issue at prime minister's questions.

Tony Blair said military chiefs did not think more troops were needed.