MoD terror dossier discovered in ditch

A sensitive dossier featuring details of the government's response to a major terrorist attack has been found in a roadside ditch, it was revealed last night.

The 46-page Ministry of Defence file was discovered in a gym bag and handed to The Sun newspaper by a member of the public.

The bag - also containing an MoD security pass - had apparently been stolen from a Major's car while he was shopping at a Sainsbury's store in the Home Counties. He is not thought to be facing any disciplinary charges.

The dossier is said to reveal how the SAS and bomb disposal experts would be deployed in the event of a terrorist strike, and how many helicopters are available to be scrambled.

According to the newspaper, it includes phone numbers for the UK's most important military figures. There are also details of how Cabinet ministers, the military, and intelligence services would meet in the aftermath of an attack.

News of the theft of the document has emerged on the eve of the first anniversary of the London Tube and bus bombings, when 52 people were killed.

A MoD spokesman said: "National security was not at risk and we have reviewed our procedures." Military sources say the document was marked "restricted", not "secret".