THE family of a young military policeman who was killed in Iraq say they were not contacted by the makers of a documentary that criticises the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Tonight's edition of Real Story on BBC1 will include comments from families of three of the six Red Caps killed in Al Majar in June by an Iraqi mob.

Tony Fisher, who lost a brother in the incident, Mike Aston and Reg Keys, who both lost their sons, have suggested the MoD's investigation into what happened will be a cover-up.

However, Northallerton taxi boss John Hyde, whose son Ben was killed in the attack, said yesterday the programme-makers never attempted to contact him.

"I know some of the other families are angry and I understand their feelings, but we all deal with grief in different ways.

"We spoke to Ben frequently and knew where he was and the sort of thing he was doing, and it was no different to the day he died.

"When they arrived in Al Majar the day before, there was no trouble; it just seems to have flared up out of the blue.

"Iraq is an extremely volatile country at the moment and I don't believe you can point the finger at anyone.

"What happened was a combination of all sorts of things and I don't believe anyone was to blame."

BBC spokesman John Ashworth last night confirmed the BBC had not spoken to the Hydes, but only because they had not expressed a desire to speak.

"I think, with any programme, it makes sense to concentrate on people who come forward.

"The families we spoke to were those who had indicated they had something to say. The MoD was then given an opportunity to respond."

A spokeswoman for the MoD said the release of information about the inquiry may prejudice the outcome of any future proceedings.

"The Royal Military Police fully understand the families' desire for an early conclusion but it is vital to ensure the investigation is as thorough as possible."