UK waterboarding

According to British newspaper reports published on Wednesday, the alleged ill-treatment included a variation of what has become known as "waterboarding" - a simulated drowning method previously used by US Central IAgency interrogators. They say officers repeatedly dunked the suspected drug dealers' heads in buckets of water during the operation last November. Both the Daily Mail and The Times have reported on the allegations.

Initially, London's Metropolitan Police force had launched an investigation into the conduct of the six officers based at Enfield in the north of the capital. Last month, the case was referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A police spokesman refused to confirm the reports, saying that it was not appropriate to make assumptions while the investigation is ongoing. "These are serious allegations that do raise real concern," he said, "and if found true, the strongest possible action will be taken."

Waterboarding condemned

The brutal interrogation method that gained worldwide notoriety as a CIA method used on inmates in the Guantanamo Bay prison camp simulates the sensation of drowning. The victim is held, lying on his or her back with the head inclined downwards; then water is poured on the face, into the nose and mouth – the person inhales water, and believes he is about to die.

Earlier this year, US Attorney General Eric Holder ruled out the use of waterboarding as an interrogation technique for terrorism suspects. He said it is a form of torture that President Barack Obama's administration could never condone, thus stressing the new administration's break with anti-terror policies under former President George W. Bush.

db/REUTERS/AP/AFP

Editor: Chuck Penfold