British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Sunday described British military presence in Iraq as "fundamental" to the world security.

Blair made the remarks when commenting on alleged abuse of Iraqi civilians by British troops. Blair was attending the progressive governance summit at Didimala Game Lodge, some 45 km north of Pretoria.

"They deserve our fullest support for the work they are doing," he reacted to news reports that British troops viciously assaulted a group of young Iraqis in southern Iraq in 2004.

"The overwhelming majority of British troops in Iraq and elsewhere behave properly and are doing a great job for our country and the wider world," Blair said.

Blair said that Britain takes seriously allegations of prisoner abuse and will investigate it fully.

Britain's Ministry of Defense has launched an investigation into alleged abuse of Iraqi civilians by British troops as shown in a video film, Sky news reported on Sunday.

The film appears to show a group of teenagers being kicked, punched and hit with batons. One can be heard pleading for mercy.

A Ministry of Defense spokesman said they took such allegations "extremely" serious and a probe had been launched.

"We are aware of these very serious allegations and can confirm they are now the subject of an urgent Royal Military Police investigation," he said.

The tape, believed to be filmed during street riots in Basra in 2004, had been screened at the military base before being handed over by a whistle blower.

Four youths were allegedly dragged from the street into an army compound, where they were beaten. One soldier is also seen to kick a dead Iraqi in the face.

Pictures have been published in the News Of The World, which says 42 blows were counted in one minute. The newspaper said the video was filmed by a corporal who encouraged colleagues in a running commentary.

"We condemn all acts of abuse and brutality and always treat any allegations of wrongdoing extremely seriously," the spokesman added.

Three British soldiers were jailed and thrown out of the army last year for abusing prisoners at a camp in Iraq.

Source: Xinhua