[h=2]Inside a village under siege: How one of the most peaceful corners of England was turned into a state of anarchy by Libyan cadets accused of rape and violence... leaving residents in constant fear[/h]
Five months ago, the army barracks in the quiet town of Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire (centre) became home to a controversial programme which aimed to teach leadership skills to 2,000 Libyan cadets (top right). In a sign of solidarity, writes PAUL BRACCHI, the Libyan flag was hoisted up on the site (left), beside the Union Jack. According to residents, the Ministry of Defence promised that soldiers would not be allowed off barracks. But the village has since been swamped by drunkenness, theft and violence, with locals being told to stay indoors 'for their own safety'. Police are also investigating allegations of male rape and sexual assaults, while five cadets remain in police custody after sex assaults in Cambridge. David Cameron insisted none of the cadets should be granted asylum, while the head of the British Army called the behaviour 'beyond the pale'. As the remaining recruits left the barracks yesterday in three coachloads (bottom right), one recruit claimed anarchy broke out because the Government didn't tell the soldiers 'about British law'.
Five months ago, the army barracks in the quiet town of Bassingbourn, Cambridgeshire (centre) became home to a controversial programme which aimed to teach leadership skills to 2,000 Libyan cadets (top right). In a sign of solidarity, writes PAUL BRACCHI, the Libyan flag was hoisted up on the site (left), beside the Union Jack. According to residents, the Ministry of Defence promised that soldiers would not be allowed off barracks. But the village has since been swamped by drunkenness, theft and violence, with locals being told to stay indoors 'for their own safety'. Police are also investigating allegations of male rape and sexual assaults, while five cadets remain in police custody after sex assaults in Cambridge. David Cameron insisted none of the cadets should be granted asylum, while the head of the British Army called the behaviour 'beyond the pale'. As the remaining recruits left the barracks yesterday in three coachloads (bottom right), one recruit claimed anarchy broke out because the Government didn't tell the soldiers 'about British law'.