AN Army investigation is under way after a young soldier claimed he was kidnapped and sexually tortured by drunken Para officers.Detectives from the Royal Military Police's Special Investigations Branch sealed off the officers' mess at 3 Para's HQ in Hyderabad Barracks, Colchester, where the soldier claims he was tied up and assaulted.

AN Army investigation is under way after a young soldier claimed he was kidnapped and sexually tortured by drunken Para officers.

Detectives from the Royal Military Police's Special Investigations Branch sealed off the officers' mess at 3 Para's HQ in Hyderabad Barracks, Colchester, where the soldier claims he was tied up and assaulted.

Investigators have been combing the area for evidence to substantiate the soldier's allegations.

If true, the incident could be a devastating blow to the reputation of one of Britain's elite regiments.

It has emerged that the soldier, a corporal in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, was found unconscious and naked below the waist shortly after midnight on Friday, May 13.

He had suffered wounds and had to be examined by doctors.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that, in a formal statement to police, the soldier alleged he was taken against his will to the mess, off Mersea Road, then plied with alcohol before being tied up and sexually assaulted.

Lt Col Matt Lowe, 3 Para commanding officer, called in military police detectives who ordered the building where officers live and socialise to be closed for forensic tests.

If they find evidence to corroborate the soldier's allegations, the officers could be prosecuted and serve up to 10 years in a military prison if convicted.

The MoD spokesman said: "Following an alleged incident involving members of the Parachute Regiment at Colchester and an alleged assault, the service police launched an investigation.

"The Parachute Regiment is co-operating fully, but it must be stressed at this stage they are allegations – we are looking for evidence."