SOLDIERS from East Lancashire are believed to have been interviewed by army investigators over the hoax torture pictures which cost Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan his job.

Military chiefs have confirmed that officers have been questioned about the source of the photographs.

But they refused to confirm the names of any of those who had been interviewed, amid claims that one of the soldiers was from Haslingden.

The pictures showing an 'Iraqi prisoner' being urinated on by 'Queen's Lancashire Regiment soldiers' are now thought to have been taken at Preston's Kimberley Barracks.

Their publication led to the QLR attacking "one man's ego" for putting the lives of soldiers at risk and prompted the sacking of the Mirror editor. At an address in Haslingden, neighbours said a man alleged to be one of the soldiers questioned was on holiday.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: "We cannot confirm speculation printed in newspapers and certainly will not do so while an investigation is ongoing.

"The source of these photos is being investigated at present, and several officers have been interviewed about them."

Deception, conspiracy and bringing the army's reputation into disrepute are all charges those found to have faked the photos could face.

The Ministry of Defence today insisted no decision had been taken on whether charges were to be brought against QLR soldiers accused of beating an Iraqi hotel receptionist to death.

Baha Mousa allegedly died after being taken into custody by soldiers from the Queen's Lancashire Regiment.

Details of the case first came to light earlier this year, prompting an investigation by military bosses.

Mr Mousa, 26, died last September after being arrested in a 6am raid on a Basra hotel by trooped from QLR who were serving in the occupied country at the time.