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An inquiry into allegations of unlawful killings by British Armed Forces in Afghanistan is “critical for the reputation of the military and the country”, its chair has said. Lord Justice Haddon-Cave called the claims “extremely serious” as he appealed for further information at its launch on Wednesday.

The inquiry will look into night raids carried out by UK special forces between mid 2010 and mid 2013. It will examine allegations of killings and subsequent cover-ups.

Lord Justice Haddon-Cave told a press conference in London some of the alleged unlawful killings may have involved children. He said the inquiry will also examine claims of a cover-up of illegal activity and allegations of inadequate investigations by the Royal Military Police.

The judge added: “It is clearly important anyone who has broken the law is referred to the relevant authorities for investigation.

“Equally, those who have done nothing wrong should rightly have the cloud of suspicion lifted from them. This is critical, both for the ­reputation of the armed forces and the country.

“I am confident I and my inquiry team will get to the ­bottom of this.”

The investigation was launched following legal challenges to the Government by Leigh Day solicitors – on behalf of the Saifullah and Noorzai families – and following information uncovered by the media.

The families allege eight of their relatives, including three young boys, were murdered by UK special forces.

The judge said many of hearings would be held in private due to the “highly sensitive” nature of the testimony.

He urged anyone with relevant information to the inquiry to come forward. A timetable for the inquiry will be set in London on April 25.

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