Iraqi arms cache found

The Desert Rats have uncovered a major arsenal of Saddam Hussein's weapons which had been destined for use against allied troops - stored in a primary school.

The cache, only yards from where children as young as two were playing, is one of the biggest hauls found since the war began.

More than 1,500 mortars, thousands of Kalashnikov bullets, rifles and rocketpropelled grenades were found in two small rooms close to where the children are taught.

Captain Mike Taylor, of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment Battle Group, said the discovery in Zubayr, 10 miles south-west of Basra,was typical of the Iraqi Republican Guard. He said: "We have found throughout this conflict that Saddam's men will use the most innocent of buildings in which to stash their weapons.

"Children's schools and hospitals are a common place in which they choose to hide such arms. There is no limit to how far they will stoop. The find is a significant breakthrough for us and the rest of the Allies."

Sergeant Ash Curson, of the 1st Light Infantry, discovered the weapons at the school as his unit carried out a routine patrol of the area. Sgt Curson, 27, of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, said: "The find will have almost certainly dented any plans the Republican Guard may have had.

"We have found considerable firepower here to cause an immense amount of destruction while at the same time killing hundreds of people along the way. Each of the lads who found the weapons knows that they were meant for us."

The immediate area around the school was cordoned off as Sgt Curson and his 13-strong unit mounted a 24-hour armed guard. Bomb disposal experts have been called in to destroy the weapons.

Pictures of the Iraqi president adorn almost every room in the school.