Give Saddam’s buttock back. Iraqis order Brit to return the tyrant's bronze bum.

AN ex-SAS man who seized a buttock from Saddam Hussein's statue has been told by the Iraqi government to give it back.

Nigel "Spud" Ely, 52, was guarding a camera crew in April 2003 as they filmed jubilant Iraqis pulling down the giant statue in Baghdad.

Nigel picked up a 2ft lump of bronze that had formed part of the tyrant's backside and brought it back to the UK.

Ex-SAS ... Nigel Ely

Now the Iraqi government is claiming the metal chunk is a piece of the country's "cultural antiquity" and is demanding he return it or face possible theft charges.

Nigel, from Derby, has been interviewed under caution by local police after the Iraqi embassy made a complaint.

He has turned the buttock into an artwork and says that makes him its legal owner.

He tried unsuccessfully to auction it last year in aid of injured troops.

Nigel said: "When I got it, it was just a piece of scrap metal. I am only doing this to raise money for military charities.

"If the Iraqis want to split the proceeds to give some to Iraqi charities, I am happy to listen."

Police confirmed they were investigating because ownership of the chunk of bronze is in dispute.

The Sun.