THE father of a North-East soldier killed at an Army base said last night he was shocked at new allegations of abuse.

Geoff Gray reiterated his calls for a public inquiry into Deepcut barracks, in Surrey, after the Ministry of Defence confirmed it was investigating claims of assaults.

The revelations come two weeks after Leslie Skinner, a former instructor at the base, pleaded guilty to a string of sex attacks on recruits.

Mr Gray, whose son Geoff, of Seaham, County Durham, died at the base, said a public inquiry must be held.

He said: "When Leslie Skinner was convicted, I was sure it was just the tip of the iceberg - and it is.

"These people are allowed to commit these crimes over a number of years. It can't have gone unnoticed over such a long period of time. Someone must have known.

"At Deepcut, we have had sexual harassment, bullying, and may even have had murder. There must be a public inquiry."

A ministry spokesman confirmed an investigation was being carried out following allegations of assault, but said he could not comment on the nature of the claims because the probe is ongoing.