THE Ministry of Defence was accused today of trying to frustrate a public inquiry into “numerous” allegedly illegal killings by British armed forces in Afghanistan.

Lawyers for bereaved families affected by the independent inquiry relating to Afghanistan said they were concerned the department was “seeking to … prevent evidence from being heard in public.”

Tessa Gregory, partner at law firm Leigh Day, said: “Our clients have fought for over a decade to find out why their loved ones were killed but, even as the inquiry’s work gets under way, they remain concerned that the Ministry of Defence is seeking to shut the door and prevent evidence from being heard in public.

“The bereaved families now put their trust in the inquiry to uncover the truth.

“After years of cover-up and obfuscation they want everything possible to be done to ensure that their interests are represented and that a bright light is shone on the actions of UK special forces and those who command them.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed today that the alleged unlawful activity in the war-torn nation between 2010 and 2013 being examined by the inquiry related to the conduct of British special forces.

He said: “This confirmation is made in the exceptional circumstances of this inquiry, where the activities of this organisation are the central focus of the inquiry’s investigation, as set out in its terms of reference.”

The probe will also look at allegations that the Royal Military Police’s (RMP) investigation of reported unlawful killings by special forces was inadequate.

Two RMP investigations, codenamed Operation Northmoor and Operation Cestro, are set to be scrutinised by the inquiry into allegations that “numerous” killings were carried out, the alleged cover-up of illegal activity and inadequate investigations by the RMP.