AN independent forensic investigator has completed his inquiries into the death of a North-East soldier at an Army barracks.

Frank Swann was hired by the families of four young soldiers, including the parents of Private Geoff Gray, of Seaham, County Durham, who died from gunshot wounds at Deepcut barracks, in Surrey.

Mr Swann left the camp yesterday after spending six weeks carrying out forensic and ballistics tests, but he is not expected to release his findings for another fortnight.

Mr Swann and his team of investigators said they had used specialist metal detectors to look for bullets that may be lodged in the ground around the barracks.

He also said more than 800 rounds of ammunition had been fired in ballistic tests at the base's firing range.

Mr Swann said he was waiting for the results of tests on clothing and weapons carried out in Germany by Surrey Police as part of their on-going investigation, which is expect-ed to be completed by May.

An Army spokesman could make no comment as the matter was sub judice.