POLICE are continuing to investigate allegations that a sergeant major bullied recruits at an Army barracks.

Andrew Gavaghan, a former welfare officer at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, was sensationally named by BBC TV's Panorama as a bully who picked on recruits at Deepcut, in Surrey.

At the time, Surrey Police were investigating the deaths of four soldiers at the base, including Private Geoff Gray, of Seaham, County Durham.

The 15-month inquiry ended in September when detectives ruled there were no grounds for a prosecution.

Sgt Maj Gavaghan was interviewed under caution by the force last December but not charged with any offence.

A spokesman for the police force said last night that investigations into the claims were continuing.

He said: "This is an issue that arose from the Deepcut inquiry but not to do with the deaths. It is still with us and it is still an active investigation."

In a statement issued at the time, Sgt Maj Gavaghan said the allegations against him were without foundation.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said Sgt Maj Gavaghan left the Army in the summer after completing his 22 years' service.

"There was no disciplinary case against him," she said.

The Deepcut soldiers' families continue to campaign for a public inquiry into non-combatant Army deaths.