Five marines released from custody in murder charge

Five Royal Marines charged with murder over an incident in Afghanistan in 2011 have been released from custody back to their unit, but with restrictions on their movements.

At a hearing in private at Colchester Military Court, they were also granted an interim anonymity order.

A hearing about the order is due at Bulford Military Court on 5 November.

The charges are related to an incident in Afghanistan when 3 Commando Brigade was based in Helmand province.

All five are charged with the murder of an unknown Afghan national on or about 15 September 2011. A plea hearing is scheduled for 10 December.

The marines were arrested by the Royal Military Police after suspicious video footage was found on a serviceman's laptop by civilian police in the UK.

It is believed to be the first time UK servicemen have been arrested and charged with such an offence during the Afghanistan conflict.