Probe into 'Army initiation film'

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Military police are investigating claims that a 19-year-old soldier was subjected to humiliating treatment in an initiation ceremony.

The soldier is said to have had a vacuum cleaner placed on his private parts during initiation into 2 Battalion The Royal Green Jackets.

A video of the alleged incident at a barracks in Bulford, Wiltshire, has been passed to Royal Military Police.

The teenager, a private, was now absent without leave, the Army said.

Royal Military Police (RMP) officers are also looking into claims that the soldier was chained to an upright bed frame, had cigarettes stubbed out on his chest and beer poured over him.

'Zero tolerance'

An Army spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that the SIB (special investigations branch of the RMP) are investigating an alleged initiation ceremony at 2 Battalion Royal Green Jackets, based in Bulford.

"The Army has a zero tolerance policy on bullying. These sorts of incidents are very rare."

She said the private had joined the battalion in February 2004 and the alleged incident happened in November 2005.

Three members of the battalion have been interviewed and subsequently released, she said.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman added: "This video purports to show a soldier from the Royal Green Jackets and is being investigated."