A SOLDIER from Worcestershire is threatening to sue the Government, claiming he is suffering symptoms similar to Gulf War Syndrome.

Stephen Cartwright, aged 24, of Kidderminster, is one of four troops suffering "severe physical and psychological symptoms" after inoculations prior to the recent conflict in Iraq.

His reaction to the multiple injections was so serious he spent four days in isolation at Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, and was not deployed to the Gulf.

The father-of-one, who developed a severe rash, swelling and fever, has since been discharged from service as a Royal Engineers reservist sapper.

Solicitor Mark McGhee, who dealt with more than 400 veterans after the first Gulf War, said the symptoms were identical to those of so-called Gulf War Syndrome.

"It's my understanding that specific guidance was given to medical officers that these inoculations were not to be administered on a multiple basis," he said.

Mr McGhee said the four troops would decide whether to seek compensation from the Ministry of Defence after undergoing clinical assessments.

"At the moment, they are considering what avenues are available to them," he said. "Their initial reactions seem to have died down but their long-term symptoms seem to be still there."