Pirbright
Young soldiers at Pirbright Barracks 'forced to rape each other' as part of initiation ceremony
The two soldiers, both in their 20s, were serving at the Surrey barracks at the time of the alleged incident
JOHN SHAMMAS
Pirbright Barracks (Image: PA)
Two young soldiers were "forced" to rape each other in an initiation ceremony, it has been alleged.
The soldiers, who were serving at Pirbright Barracks at the time, were watching a rugby match before the incident.
It is claimed senior staff told them to go and have a shower before coming upstairs to drink.
A report in the Sun on Sunday alleged the two soldiers were then goaded into taking off their clothes upon arrival.
Eyewitnesses claim that the men were allegedly forced to carry out sex acts on each other while other soldiers reportedly recorded the footage on their phones.
The incidents were then allegedly distributed on WhatsApp and SnapChat.
A source said that it was "worse than anything I have ever known in the Army".
They added: "The two guys must both have been terrified. It was bullying at its absolute worst. People should be in jail for this."
'Behaviour unacceptable'
A spokesman for Surrey Police confirmed the force was asked to investigate the incident but passed the investigation to the Royal Military Police.
Since the incident, one of the men has been discharged from the Army as a result of the alleged ceremony because of the distress it has caused him.
The pair cannot be identified because of legal reasons.
Following an Army investigation, one soldier was disciplined and five others punished, according to claims.
An Army spokesman said: "We can confirm an incident did take place and details were referred to the Royal Military Police for an initial investigation.
"No allegations of coercive or criminal behaviour were made.
"However, this behaviour is unacceptable and administrative action was taken against those present, with disciplinary measures taken against one individual."
Surrey Police