THE lid is expected to be lifted today (Thursday) on the authenticity of controversial photographs showing Iraqi prisoners being tortured and abused by Lancashire troops.

A Royal Military Police investigation is understood to have strong evidence to suggest the pictures published in a tabloid newspaper -- believed to have been taken by members of the Territorial Army (TA) at Preston's Kimberley Barracks -- were a hoax.

Defence Secretary, Geoff Hoon, has already cast doubt on their authenticity and armed forces minister, Adam Ingram, is expected to make a statement today to support the findings of the investigation.

But a source close to the army says military officials have closed ranks and are remaining tight-lipped about the investigation sparked by soldiers' allegations about horrific abuse of prisoners in Iraq, and the controversial photographs.

Roger Goodwin, spokesman for the army in the North West, said: "There is an ongoing investigation into the allegations being made and I am not in a position to speak or speculate until an outcome is reached."

Last week members of the national and international press descended on Fulwood Barracks, Watling Street Road, the Regimental Headquarters of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment (QLR).

Now, just seven days later, the media scrum has shifted down the road to Kimberley Barracks, in Deepdale Road, the Headquarters of the TA unit, the Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers (LCV), where armed guards are standing at the gates.

The latest allegations in the Daily Mirror yesterday (Wednesday) claim a TA soldier attached to QLR saw how squaddies battered and kicked detainees on a regular basis.

At Prime Minister's questions this week, Tony Blair refuted claims that the Government was told by the Red Cross about alleged abuse by troops three months ago.

Mr Blair said: "There is no evidence whatever, either of systematic abuse, or of ministers or anyone else refusing to act on allegations of abuse in respect of detainees in British custody.

"The only evidence that has been presented are photographs that are almost certainly fake."

As the investigation into the photographs comes to a close, rumours about where the finger of blame is likely to fall have been flying.

It has prompted Private Gary Smith, from Blackpool, one of more than 100 LCV troops who served in Iraq with the QLR, to come out and publicly defend his innocence after coming under the spotlight during inquiries into the published images.

And a source close to the army has told the Citizen that once the perpetrators have been rooted out they would be court martialled and the army would be keen to oust them as soon as possible.

Mark Hendrick, MP for Preston, whose constituency covers the Kimberley Barracks area, said: "If the allegations are correct I think it is absolutely appalling for people who are so closely linked with the armed forces to be involved in the production of these photographs.

"It is outrageous and it creates problems for the regiment and if someone is discovered to be involved they should be court martialled."

But he said the reputation of the QLR should not be affected and not create a scourge on Preston's proud army history.

"The regiments that make up the QLR go back 300 years and this story should seem like a blip in their history.

"People in Preston are proud of the QLR and the TA, despite the reports, and the pride of Preston will still remain. I'm confident this regiment will suffer no permanent damage."