AN Iraqi baby with burn injuries who arrived in the UK with coalition troops requiring medical treatment is in a "stable" condition in an intensive care unit at Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool.

Six-month-old Mareyam Ailan was flown to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus with her parents before they were all taken on to Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Monday.

She was taken out of the southern Iraqi city of Basra by her parents several days ago after suffering injuries during a house fire.

The chartered plane, which was also carrying nine coalition troops, touched down on Monday.

Mareyam was initially taken to an army field hospital in a British military ambulance, amid chaotic scenes as aid was delivered to Basra.

Mareyam suffered terrible burns, including facial injuries, and medical staff said it was "touch and go" whether she would live.

A decision was made on humanitarian grounds to include Mareyam on the flight

An Army spokesman said her injuries were not related to the conflict in Iraq, but because of their extent they could not be treated in the country.

The spokesman, James Gaskin, said: "Her injuries required urgent life-saving treatment which could not be provided in theatre.

"As a flight was leaving to bring casualties back to the UK, a decision was made on humanitarian grounds to include her on the flight.

"It is not MoD practice to bring civilians in to the UK for treatment. However, this was an exceptional case."

A paediatrician, a paediatric nurse and an anaesthetist travelled on the plane with her.

Nine injured British troops also made the five-hour flight alongside Mareyam.

Four walking wounded were allowed home, and another four stretcher cases were taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital with "combat injuries".

The ninth soldier was taken to the burns unit at nearby Whiston Hospital.