Investigators have found that in 2007 the German Intelligence Service (BND) destroyed files of 250 BND employees who had been in the Nazi SS or Gestapo.

The BND confirmed the loss, calling it "regrettable and annoying".

Four independent historians are investigating the BND's old links with the Nazis. They say some of the missing papers concern suspected war criminals.

The historians did not allege a deliberate cover-up, but they urged the BND not to destroy any more files.

They said the BND should consult them before shredding any more documents, and called for a full investigation into the 2007 incident....