THE grieving family of a Royal Marine killed during the war in Iraq have welcomed a decision to extend the inquiry into his death.

Christopher Maddison, 24, from Scarborough, North Yorkshire, was killed in March as he and other soldiers patrolled a river in the Al Faw peninsula of southern Iraq.

At the time it was believed he had died as a result of an ambush on his landing craft by Iraqi troops.

But earlier this month a BBC documentary, Fighting The War, unearthed evidence which cast that into doubt, and suggested he may have been the victim of friendly fire.

The TV investigation found that the craft he was on was within range of another group of Royal Marines also patrolling the area.

Following the documentary, the Ministry of Defence has decided to extend its own investigation.

Christopher's mother, Julie, who runs a hotel in Peasholm Drive, Scarborough, called for a full inquiry after the programme was aired.

She has welcomed the news of the MoD's decision.

She said: "Christopher was the love of my life. He was very special.

"No stone should be left unturned to ascertain exactly what happened that day."

A spokesman for the MoD said the investigation had been extended to take account of evidence that may have come to light as a result of the documentary.

He said: "We are keen to reach the truth about this case, if only for the sake of Marine Maddison's family."

He added: "This is perfectly routine and it means that evidence brought forward will be examined once and for all to establish the nature of Marine Maddison's death."

A full military funeral was held at St Mary's Church, in Scarborough, after Marine Maddison died in a field hospital following the river incident.

He had been a Royal Marine for five years and had celebrated his birthday on HMS Ocean just before the war began.