Air force probes assault claims

The Royal Air Force is investigating an “offensive video” in which troops reportedly appeared to sexually assault an airman in an initiation ritual.

A spokeswoman for the force said the RAF Police Special Investigation Branch was looking into the incident after the footage was obtained by a newspaper.

The video shows a naked airman being held down by drunken personnel before they allegedly assaulted him.

An RAF spokeswoman said: “We have been made aware of an offensive video involving Royal Air Force personnel.

“The RAF Police Special Investigation Branch is now investigating the incident shown in the video.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further while investigations are ongoing.”

The RAF said it does not tolerate bullying or initiation ceremonies, and that anyone not maintaining such standards would be investigated with appropriate disciplinary action taken.

In July last year, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace launched an anti-bullying 24/7 telephone helpline for service personnel across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force to allow troops to report any abuse or harassment. It is staffed by qualified counsellors.

Most of Italy’s 60 million population will go back into a strict lockdown this week as the third wave of the pandemic advances across mainland Europe.

Yesterday, the Italian government said that it would order people to stay at home whenever possible in 10 of its 20 regions, including those around Rome and Milan, until April 6. The British coronavirus variant is driving a surge of contagion after the country’s second wave subsided over the winter.

Mario Draghi, the Italian prime minister, said: “Today’s measures will have consequences for children’s education, the economy and everyone’s psychological state.”