A POLICE investigation into the death of a young airman in chemical warfare trials has been widened to examine at least another 45 deaths.

Police extended their investigation into the death of Consett man Ronald Maddison after being flooded with nearly 400 other allegations of wrongful practice by the Ministry of Defence from families of deceased servicemen.

Mr Maddison was just 20 when he died immediately after being exposed to deadly nerve gas at the army's base at Porton Down in Wiltshire in 1953.

Wiltshire police launched a full investigation into his death a year ago after years of campaigning by other ex-servicemen who claim they were duped into agreeing to be experimented on.

The investigation could lead to the first charges of corporate manslaughter to be levied at the Ministry of Defence. Mr Maddison and his comrades were experimented on with the Sarin chemical, 200mg of which was dripped on to their arms at the secret base.

Police declined to discuss the number of deaths they were investigating but did not deny media reports that between 45 and 70 other cases were being looked into.

Relatives and friends of Mr Maddison welcomed the development. His cousin, Ella Forster, 79, of Shotley Bridge said: "I think it shows it is being taken seriously and I have hopes the truth might finally come out.

"I would say there definitely was a cover-up and after all these years it's about time we knew what was done and all the other families knew."

Serviceman Mike Cox was sitting next to Mr Maddison in the gas chamber when he died. He said: "I am surprised by the numbers the police are investigating but I think we should welcome it.

"I went on to have a family and a life over nearly 50 years but all that was denied to Ronnie. I think there was a need for the experiments at that time during the cold war but the families should at least be told all these years later."

A spokesman for Wiltshire police said the force regretted reports coming to light about the numbers being dealt with but conceded that nearly 400 other allegations had been received.

A spokesman from the MOD also declined to comment on the widening of the investigation but did say personnel from the ministry were working with police on the case.

An official inquiry held in secret at the time decided that Mr Maddison died because he was partly susceptible to what would have been a 'safe' dose for a normal person. But, last year, leading toxicologist from Leeds University Alastair Hay argued the scientists must have known the dose was potentially dangerous.