The Prime Minister has vowed to stop an "industry of vexatious allegations" starting against British troops who fought in Iraq.

The Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT) was formed during the final months of the last Labour government in 2010 to investigate claims of abuse said to have been carried out by British forces.

IHAT is currently examining serious allegations following the 2003 invasion.

The allegations over criminal activity by British forces would be investigated, the Prime Minister said, but steps will be taken to ensure abuse of the system is stamped out.

Concerns have been raised by veterans' groups and MPs over the number of claims. The claims are eligible for legal aid funding.

May said: "We can be proud also of the disciplined way in which our armed forces operate.

"But what is important is, if there are allegations - proper allegations - of criminal activity, those need to be investigated.

"But what we do need to make sure is that there isn't an industry of vexatious allegations coming forward. I think measures have been taken".

The Prime Minister said IHAT's investigations will be completed by the end of 2019, after a review of the system by former director of public prosecutions Sir David Calvert-Smith.