Two soldiers who have been AWOL from their barracks for 11 days claim to be the victims of prolonged bullying by their comrades, it emerged today.

Privates Andre Treble and Andrew Jones, both aged 22, fled Buckley Barracks near Hullavington, this month saying the attacks - often referred to as 'beastings' - were unbearable.

The MOD said it knew of the allegations by the pair, of 9 Regiment RLC, adding that any recruit who "falls short of the army's high standards" would be disciplined.