DETECTIVES investigating the mysterious deaths of four young soldiers at an Army barracks are reported to be widening their investigation.

Surrey Police are expected to make a witness appeal over the tragedies, at the Deepcut Barracks, near Camberley, in Surrey.

The deaths, all by shooting, include that of Geoff Gray, 17, formerly of Seaham, County Durham, who was found with two gunshot wounds in September last year. His parents, Geoff and Diane, have been campaigning for an independent investigation.

Last night, the parents of another dead soldier said detectives were going to widen their inquiry.

Jim and Yvonne Collin-son, whose son Jim, 17, from Perth, died of gunshot wounds earlier this year, are being kept informed of the investigation.

They dispute claims that he committed suicide. An inquest returned an open verdict.

Mrs Collinson said: "We understand detectives may make an appeal for witnesses later this week."

Private Gray, 17, of Hackney, east London, was found with two gunshot wounds to his head in September 2001.

In 1995, Pte Sean Benton, 20, from Sussex, was found dead with five bullet wounds in his chest.

In the same year, the body of Pte Cheryl James, 18, from north Wales, was discovered with a single bullet wound to the head.

The Army initially insisted the deaths at the headquarters of the Royal Logistics Corps were suicides.

The families dispute the Army's findings and allege that bullying has been covered up.

Surrey Police would not comment on a possible witness appeal.