SIX British forces personnel have been killed and eight others injured in two separate attacks in the south of Iraq.

Both incidents occurred near Al Amarah, to the north of Basra, early today, the Ministry of Defence have said.

There are no further details of the six deaths.

The other incident saw troops from 1st Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, patrolling south of Al Amarah come under fire.

The patrol suffered one casualty and two vehicles were destroyed. In responding to the incident, an RAF Chinook helicopter carrying a Quick Reaction Force came under fire as it landed.

Seven personnel aboard the helicopter were wounded, three of them seriously.

All were evacuated by helicopter and are receiving treatment.

The Ministry of Defence are still investigating if the two incidents are connected.