Nato apologises for Afghan Koran 'disposal'

The US commander of Nato troops in Afghanistan has apologised over reports that foreign troops had "improperly disposed" of copies of the Koran.

In a statement, Gen John R Allen ordered a full investigation.

"When we learned of these actions, we immediately intervened and stopped them," he said.

Rumours that a Koran had been burnt led to a large protest outside the US air base at Bagram about 60km (40 miles) north of Kabul.

Police told the BBC that at least 1,000 people took part in the demonstration, which has now ended, and that some elders went into the base to talk to Nato officials.

Richard Galpin reports.