Paras brothel fury

AROUND 650 British soldiers were confined to their barracks in Kenya after troops who visited prostitutes sought medical advice.

The lockdown was ordered by their furious commanding officer after up to 100 personnel used sex workers who set up temporary brothels near their base.

The soldiers, of the 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment battlegroup, were stationed at Laikipia air base in Kenya, taking part in Exercise Askari Storm.

Troops simulated the rescue of up to 400 people in a mock overseas crisis, followed by six weeks of training. After being given leave, at least 30 soldiers reported to 3 Para’s medical centre fearing they had contracted sexually transmitted diseases from using prostitutes.

In response their commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Swann, ordered every soldier to remain on the base until they returned to Britain this weekend.

A document detailing his orders reads: ‘All 3 Para BG [battlegroup] pers [persons] are gated effective immediately.’

An Army spokesman said last night: ‘We expect very high standards of behaviour.’