AFGHAN families have accused soldiers of “refusing to give evidence” about alleged unlawful killings in an ongoing inquiry.

The probe released summaries today of closed hearings in which special forces members gave evidence about operations in Afghanistan between 2010 and 2013.

One senior officer, known as N1466, accused the director of UK Special Forces (UKSF) of making a “conscious decision” to cover up potential war crimes, controlling information about alleged murders “in a way that I think indicated a desire to keep it low profile.”

The officer told of one raid in which soldiers shot at a mosquito net and discovered women and children had been hiding behind it — an incident which was later “covered up.”

He noted there had been a rise in the ratio of killings to weapons recovered — in one case, nine Afghans were killed and only three rifles recovered.

N1466 said that there had been people who died “unnecessarily,” including two toddlers shot in their bed next to their parents.

Tessa Gregory from Leigh Day, a legal firm representing Afghan families involved in the inquiry, said: “This is highly significant evidence from a very senior experienced officer in the UK headquarters of special forces who has made plain he believes that war crimes were committed in Afghanistan.”

The firm represents Imran and Bilal, who were 18 months and three years old in 2012 when UKSF raided their home and allegedly shot dead their parents and seriously injured them.

“While it is obviously a painful reminder of their loss, the bereaved families we represent are grateful to this officer for giving such candid testimony,” Ms Gregory said.

“They are extremely concerned to hear that many of the soldiers who were on the ground during the operations are currently refusing to give evidence to the inquiry by relying on the right to privilege against self-incrimination.

“They hope that others will follow this officer’s lead so that they can find out the truth of what happened to their relatives.”

Defence Secretary John Healey has written to special forces personnel recognising their professionalism and sacrifice and telling them the government “has your back,” it is understood.