Commander of military academy confirms that allegation is under investigation

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Military police are investigating allegations that two cadets waterboarded a fellow recruit at Sandhurst military academy.

According to a report in the Sun, two officer cadets allegedly held the individual down and poured water over a cloth covering his face, creating the sensation of drowning.

The commander of the Berkshire military college, Brig Bill Wrightsaid: “I am aware of allegations about an incident at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on 7 Aug involving some of our officer cadets. I have ordered an investigation by the royal military police.

“The army and I expect the highest standards of behaviour at Sandhurst. Anyone found to have fallen short is dealt with robustly, including dismissal, if appropriate.”

The Sun said the three cadets involved were on leave and had been moved into separate platoons while the investigation took place.

Waterboarding was used as an interrogation technique by the CIA after the 11 September 2001 attacks until Barack Obama banned the practice during his presidency.

The former army general Sir Nicholas Carter brought in a new code of conduct to crack down on bullying and sexual harassment three years ago. He told cadets at Sandhurst to project a “no tolerance” message against prejudice.

Sandhurst’s stated aim is to be a “national centre of excellence for leadership”.