HOME Secretary David Blunkett says nothing can be done to bring two youths to justice for the hit-and-run killing of a pensioner.

Jimmy Mulligan, 73, of Windy Nook, Gateshead, was killed in May 2002 as he stood waiting for a bus when a car driven by two drug addicts hit him and friend Ivy Clark, who was badly injured.

Christopher Eade and Rob-ert Webber ran off.

An inquest last November heard that Mr Mulligan was unlawfully killed, but the pair have never been prosecuted because each claimed the other was driving.

Mr Mulligan's family have launched an appeal to launch a private prosecution against the pair.

Mr Blunkett wrote to the family's MP, Joyce Quin, saying: "I know the police and Crown Prosecution Service examined every possible step that could be taken in the interests of justice, but were forced to conclude that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with any of the offences which had been considered.''

Mr Blunkett said that the issues raised by the campaign were being looked at and that there was hope "ultimately to find a way forward in such cases".

Mr Mulligan's son, Keith, vowed that their campaign would continue.