A city is in mourning today after six West Sussex-trained Military Police officers were killed in Iraq.

Chichester is home to the Roussillon Barracks, where members of the Royal Military Police, known as the Redcaps, are stationed.

The Army said a planned freedom parade through the city this week to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the barracks would still go ahead.

But a day of pomp and ceremony, planned as a celebration months ago, is now likely to be subdued and have an undertone of remembrance in honour of those who have died.

An Army source said: "It probably won't feel the same on Friday for everybody taking part.

"However, it is going to go ahead. The six would have gone through Chichester during their training and possibly came back on career courses and advanced police courses."

Today, floral tributes, including one from Chichester police station, were starting to arrive at the barracks, where a book of condolence has been opened.

Captain Philip Packer, adjutant at the barracks, said: "We are all deeply saddened by yesterday's tragic news of the loss of colleagues and our thoughts are with family and friends.

"Friday's parade is an event we are sharing with our community in Chichester and West Sussex and it will be an occasion when we will remember all of our comrades who have died honourably in the service of their country."

Chichester City Council was also flying the Union flag at half-mast outside its chambers in North Street and other municipal buildings.

The mayor, Councillor Jean Le Bourlier-Woods, said: "It has come as a big shock.

"All one can say is the people of Chichester send their regrets to the barracks and the families of the soldiers concerned. It is a very sad day for us.

"It brings home the horrors of war. I understand the parade is still going ahead, but obviously there is going to be a lot of feeling among the troops taking part."

Andrew Tyrie, MP for Chichester, said: "My thoughts are with the families and those who have been affected in the local community.

"The Royal Military Police are very much part of the local community in Chichester. There will be a lot of people deeply affected by this. It really is a dreadful tragedy.

"They were doing crucial work helping to re-establish law and order in the area."

Chris Roberts, 58, of Broyle Road, Chichester, said: "I think people are just starting to realise what has happened. I live across the road and have always had a certain amount to do with the barracks.

"They are very much a part of people's lives around here. People are very sad at the news."

The names of the victims will not be released by the Ministry of Defence until relatives have been informed.

One hundred soldiers from the Royal Military Police are marching through Chichester city centre on Friday, followed by a thanksgiving service in Chichester Cathedral.

The six soldiers were chased down and killed by Iraqis furious about civilian deaths during a demonstration in Majar Al-Kabir, local police said.

Police officer Abbas Faddhel said the British troops shot dead four civilian protesters yesterday.

Armed civilians killed two of the soldiers at the scene of the protest then chased four others to a police station where they killed them after a two-hour gun battle.

Witnesses in Majar said the deaths followed days of tension due to methods used by British forces, who were searching for weapons.

Abu Zahraa, a 30-year-old local market trader, said British troops had formally agreed to let local police patrol Majar.

In the second incident, a patrol of paratroopers came under fire just south of Al Amarah, wounding one. A helicopter was sent to help but was also fired on, wounding seven.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon today indicated thousands more British troops could be sent to Iraq in the wake of yesterday's attack, which has sparked an urgent security review.

He said: "Depending on the review, we have more troops should that be required."