UK took part in air strike 'which killed dozens of Syrian forces'

British forces took part in a coalition air strike which the Syrian government claims killed dozens of its troops, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

At least 62 soldiers are said to have been killed by the strike at a military base in Dayr az Zawr on Saturday.

It is understood that the UK participation in the strike involved an unmanned Reaper drone.

A MoD spokesman said they were "fully co-operating" with the coalition investigation into what happened.

Denmark has also confirmed that two of its F-16 fighters jets also took part in the raid, while Australia has said that its aircraft were also involved.

The US military was first to accept it may have unintentionally struck Syrian troops while carrying out a raid against so-called Islamic State (IS).

Russia has accused the United States of "defending" IS after the strike and said has put a fragile ceasefire in Syria at risk.

An official for US President Barack Obama said the White House had relayed its "regret" for the "unintentional loss of life" to Russia, and said they would continue to pursue compliance with the ceasefire.

Under the terms of the deal, if it holds for seven days, Russia and America will co-ordinate air strikes against some rebel groups including Islamic State and al-Qaeda's former Syria branch known as the Nusra Front.