THE family of a North soldier were last night awaiting a report into claims that he was killed by friendly fire.

Military chiefs are declining to comment on reports that the inquiry has already concluded that Royal Marine Christopher Maddison was killed by his colleagues.

Marine Maddison, 24, who spent most of his life in Guisborough, east Cleveland, before he moved to Scarborough, North Yorkshire, died from injuries he received while on a boat patrol in Iraq.

He had been with his unit in the Al Faw peninsula region, in the south of the country, in March.

At the time, it was reported his vessel had been hit by a rocket-propelled grenade fired by Iraqi troops.

Marine Maddison, 24, was treated by colleagues at the scene and was taken to a military hospital for treatment for burns and shrapnel wounds, but died later.

His body was flown home and his funeral was held with full military honours at St Mary's Church, in Scarborough, where his parents run a hotel.

In July, a BBC documentary suggested there were no Iraqi troops in the area when Marine Maddison's boat was hit, and that he may have been a victim of friendly fire.

The Ministry of Defence announced it would reopen an inquiry into the incident and, yesterday, it was reported the investigation had concluded Marine Maddison's vessel was hit by a Milan anti-tank missile fired by fellow Royal Marines, who were unaware they were shooting at their own side.

A Royal Navy spokesman yesterday described the reports as speculation and would neither confirm nor deny the reported findings.

He said: "Elements of the report will be made available to the family, should they request them, but we do not comment on speculation in the media.

"It is true that lessons will be learnt as a result of the inquiry, which has examined a range of issues.

"Aspects of the findings can also be made available to the coroner, although no request has been made at this time.''

Christopher's mother, Julie, has yet to see the final report. She said: "I still have great pride in what my son did in Iraq.