SADDAM Hussein could be tried for alleged war crimes after a new probe was launched.

Scotland Yard is considering what evidence might be available to prosecute the Iraqi dictator.

It will focus on more than 4,500 Britons taken hostage at the start of the Gulf War in 1991- including the Lockwood family from St Peter's, Worcester, whose son Stuart was infamously paraded on Iraqi TV.

Evidence collated by Indict, which campaigns for the indictment of Iraqi war criminals, has been handed to Attorney General Lord Williams of Mostyn.

He has referred the case to Scotland Yard for further investigation.

"These documents are being considered and advice is being sought as to what, if any, further action is practicable," said a police spokesman.

MP Ann Clwyd, Indict's chairwoman, said there was a sound case against Saddam and Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz.

"Our lawyers tell us we've got more than sufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction of Saddam Hussein and Tariq Aziz on charges of hostage-taking," she said.

"We believe they, in fact, are not immune from prosecution."

Stuart Lockwood grabbed the world's attention aged five when millions of TV viewers saw him shy away from Saddam as he beckoned him to sit on his lap.

His family, including mum Glenda, dad Derek and other son Craig, were among expatriates used as human shields in the run-up to the war. Mr Lockwood died last month aged 52.