AN independent forensic consultant has been given permission to investigate at an Army barracks where four soldiers have died in suspicious circumstances, defence chiefs said last night.

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram has given the go-ahead for investigator Frank Swann to enter the Deepcut Barracks in Surrey, where police are also probing the deaths of four soldiers who all died from gunshot wounds.

The deaths include that of Private Geoff Gray, 17, of Seaham, County Durham, who died while on guard duty at the barracks - the headquarters of the Royal Logistics Corps.

His family are among those demanding an immediate public inquiry into allegations that a culture of bullying in the military has been covered up.

The Army initially listed all the deaths - which occurred between 1995 and earlier this year - as suicide.

The families, who are employing Mr Swann, said the latest move would be a major breakthrough in what they say is a search for the truth.

The families have been backed by MPs in their call for a public inquiry into the deaths at the barracks once police investigations are complete.

Last week, Pte Gray's father, Geoff, 39, condemned the announcement of the possible closure of Deepcut as a diversionary tactic to draw attention away from the need for an inquiry.

A Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesman said last night: "We were approached by Frank Swann and the families asking to conduct an independent forensic investigation.

"That was put up to ministers, and approved and they are now in contact with the barracks to arrange details."

Mr Swann is to meet with Army officers at the barracks on Monday to discuss how the forensic examinations will be carried out.

Mr Swann said: "It will take time because we will be treating each one as an individual case, and one at a time.

"I think it is a major development in the sense that the families, their supporters and the media have been quite vociferous and I think it has made the MoD consider their position. I think it is a step in the right direction - and hopefully, one towards more openness."