The co-author of the book Hit and Run has criticised the Attorney General for his comments on Operation Burnham.

David Parker's announced an official inquiry into the 2010 raid, a year on from the release of the book which alleged civilians - including a child - were killed by New Zealand soldiers.

But he claims after watching half an hour of footage, villagers were clearly armed.

Co-author Jon Stephenson told Mike Hosking he's disappointed with this stance.

"I think those comments were ill-advised they were basically preempting what he has established the inquiry to consider and render a verdict on."

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