The Ministry of Defence said British troops in Iraq would be keeping a "mindful eye" on a possible backlash against them in the wake of Saddam Hussein’s hanging.

Families of fallen servicemen said they feared that the 7,100 troops stationed in the south of Iraq would be targeted following the execution of Saddam, whose 24-year rule was ended by the US-led invasion in March 2003.

The Ministry of Defence said it had not put any specific precautions in place in preparation for action against British soldiers but said security would be monitored.

"We will be keeping a mindful eye on any goings-on in Iraq," a spokesman said.

Britain, the United States’ staunchest ally in the war in Iraq, has its troops stationed around Iraq’s second city, Basra.

Rose Gentle, whose son Gordon was killed in Iraq aged 19, said many relatives of soldiers in Iraq feared an upsurge in violence against coalition troops.

"We are actually pretty frightened that it’s going to cause a lot more trouble and that by executing Saddam we are going to make matters a lot worse," she said. "Other mothers have been saying they are really worried.

A British soldier died in the city Friday after his armoured vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

His death brought to 127 the number of British troops killed in Iraq since the invasion.

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