Sunday Mirror: DEFENCELESS

BRITISH troops fear their lives are being put at risk in Iraq because of a shortage of a vital piece of equipment which can prevent attacks by roadside bombs.

The box-like contraptions - called electronic counter measures (ECM) - jam signals sent by terrorists to detonate devices by remote control.

But despite five deaths by explosions in southern Iraq in the last three months troops still complain that they are struggling with a lack of the life-saving kit.

The scandal comes just over a year after Fusilier Gordon Gentle was killed in Basra by a bomb exploding next to his armoured Land- Rover.

It emerged weeks later that the 19-year-old vehicle had not been carrying ECM, despite its route taking him down a street dubbed "bomb alley".

Fusilier Gentle's mum Rose, of Glasgow, said yesterday: "They're still playing Russian roulette with soldiers' lives. How many more men will be killed before something's done about this?"

And a senior serving officer said: "Each patrol going out in Basra is carrying ECM but there is only just enough to go around.

"After each patrol they are having to move the devices to the next group - effectively sharing equipment. "This is OK if the situation remains relatively calm.

"But what happens if an ECM breaks down or the situation deteriorates and they have to send a patrol out in an emergency before another one comes back?"

Twelve soldiers have died as a result of roadside bombs in Iraq but ECM is believed to have saved countless others.

However, the MoD denied there was a shortage of ECM. A spokesman said: "Commanders are confident they have sufficient to meet all their requirements."