Australian army to investigate soldiers' use of dead Taliban fighter's prosthetic leg

Investigation follows revelation of pictures which show soldiers drinking from leg and carrying it on the battlefield

Australia's defence department says an investigation has been launched into photos showing senior special forces soldiers drinking out of a dead Taliban fighter's prosthetic limb and carrying it on the battlefield.

The move comes after the Guardian obtained images showing a trooper carrying the leg attached to a backpack with other photos showing soldiers drinking beer from the prosthetic at an unofficial bar - the Fat Lady's Arms - that was set up at their special forces base in Afghanistan in 2009.

A defence spokesperson said on Thursday: Army is inquiring into the matter."