A FORMER soldier from Bolton is supporting calls for an inquiry into the deaths of four young soldiers at an army barracks.

Paul Wilkinson is claiming that statements he made after the death of fellow soldier Cheryl James, aged 18, were altered.

And calling for an inquiry he has said: "I believe there is a killer out there who has got away with murder."

Pte James, from Wales, was found dead at the Deepcut army barracks, Surrey, seven years ago. Another three deaths have been put down to suicide by the military.

But their families dispute this finding and have called for a public inquiry.

Mr Wilkinson, who has since been discharged from the Royal Logistics Corps, was on guard duty with Pte James on November 27, 1995, 10 minutes before she was found dead with a gunshot wound to her head.

Mr Wilkinson said: "Something terrible must have happened in the 10 minutes after I left Cheryl that morning, because I know she was happy."

He added: "What is more, I am certain my statements have been changed."

Detectives now plan to re-interview Mr Wilkinson as part of their inquiry, police sources said.

They are also probing the deaths of 17-year-olds Geoff Gray, from Hackney in London, James Collinson, from Perth in Scotland, and 20-year-old Sean Benton, from Hastings, East Sussex. Their deaths were examined by a BBC Panorama programme earlier this month.

, during which several former soldiers spoke of a "culture of bullying" at the base.

Pte James's parents Des and Doreen said in a statement today: "The allegations made by Paul Wilkinson are indeed most disturbing. Not least his allegations that his statement was tampered with."

"How many more young people must come forward and dispute what the army allege happened in Deepcut in 1995?"

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Any part of the investigation is a matter for Surrey police."

But Mr and Mrs James hit back saying: "Their arrogance regarding the Deepcut situation continues to offend all the families involved."