TONY Blair faced fresh calls for an Iraq exit strategy last night as a leaked Ministry of Defence poll showed widespread support for attacks on British troops.

But the father of a military policeman killed in an ambush two years ago has warned of the dangers of withdrawing the coalition troops before peace is achieved.

John Hyde's son, Corporal Ben Hyde, 23, from North-allerton, North Yorkshire, was one of six Red Caps who died after being trapped by a mob in a police station north of Basra.

He said last night: "I don't think the coalition can pull out at the moment. I think it's a lot more than just politics - there are also drugs and crime involved.

"The vast majority of Iraqis want to work towards self-government and democracy, but it only takes a small number of people in the community to stop it.

"You only need to look as far as Northern Ireland and the problems there to see it.

"Obviously, we all would like to see the lads come home and no more of our lads getting killed, but the job's got to be done properly.

"Until such time as the Iraqi security forces are able to maintain a reasonable degree of security, we should stay there, otherwise it will be civil war."

In a poll published by a Sunday newspaper, up to 65 per cent of Iraqis questioned said the attacks on British troops were justified.

Fewer than one in 100 thought that the presence of coalition troops was improving security in the country.

Sir Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesman, said: "If these results truly represent public opinion in Iraq then they are profoundly disturbing.

"Such findings are yet another argument in favour of a comprehensive exit strategy."

The findings come as the Sunday Telegraph revealed that Lieutenant Colonel Nick Henderson, commanding officer of the Coldstream Guards in Basra, who is in charge of security in the region, has resigned.

He recently voiced concerns over a lack of armoured vehicles for his men, one of whom was killed in a bomb attack in Basra last week.

The poll showed that 45 per cent of Iraqis believe such attacks are justified, rising to 65 per cent in the UK-controlled Maysan province.

An overwhelming 82 per cent are strongly opposed to the presence of coalition troops.