A FYLDE volunteer soldier hailed a hero after disarming an Iraqi suicide bomber has denied being at the centre of the controversial prisoner of war torture picture scandal.

Territorial Army Private Gary Smith, 38, of Beach Road, Cleveleys, says he has been unfairly 'singled out' by sections of the media following the launch of a Royal Military Police (RMP) investigation into the photos allegedly showing Iraqi prisoners of war being mistreated by British soldiers

It is believed the images - which feature 'Iraqi' POWs being beaten, tortured and urinated upon - may have originated at Pte Smith's base, Kimberley Barracks, Preston.

But Pte Smith has already denied any involvement with the photos, which have been dismissed as fake by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

He said: "These claims are completely ridiculous. I have not had anything to do with the photos.

"Those who know me can vouch for my professionalism and dedication to the TA. I can't help feeling I've only been singled out because of media coverage of my recent bravery award.

"I am simply a name and face to match these wild torture stories.

"As far as I'm concerned as soon as I put that uniform on I become a representative of the British Army. I have not and would not tried to discredit the forces in any way.

"Also people seem to forget that the MoD investigation into the so-called 'British' torture photo's is still on-going.

"At this stage we can't even confirm if these images were taken by army personnel at Kimberley Barracks or not.

"There are all sorts of groups and individuals who do not agree with the army's presence in Iraq. Anybody could have set them up with the most basic of military and photographic equipment.

"It's almost laughable that me and my regiment colleagues are having the finger of blame pointed at us and my wife and children are being hounded in our home when there has been no official contact between us and the investigating authorities.

"I really hope there is a swift end to this investigation."

As reported in The Citizen (April 29) the father-of-two received a Mention in Dispatches during a special St George's Day ceremony at Kimberley Barracks, Preston, on April 23.

Pte Smith - a member of the TA's Lancaster and Cumbria Volunteers - earned his commendation after tackling a man carrying a live grenade during an attachment to the Queen's Lancashire Regiment in Basra last July.

He also denied witnessing any improper treatment of Iraqi POWs at the hands of British soldiers during his time on active service.

Gary said: "I'm confident any prisoners detained by the British Army will have been treated properly and in accordance with international regulations.

"I did not witness any violence or humiliation being dealt to Iraqi's during my time in the country."

An MoD spokeswoman said: "It would be inappropriate for us to comment on the progress of, or any individuals involved in, the investigation at this stage."