POLICE investigating the death of a young North-East airman during chemical warfare trials are understood to be looking into another 45 deaths connected with a top secret military base.

Police widened their investigation into the death of Consett man Ronald Maddison after being contacted by the families of nearly 400 ex-servicemen.

Mr Maddison was 20 when he died after being exposed to a deadly nerve agent at the Porton Down base, in Wiltshire, in 1953.

Wiltshire police launched a full investigation into his death a year ago after ex-servicemen claimed they were duped into taking part in experiments.

The investigation could lead to the first charges of corporate manslaughter to be levied against the Ministry of Defence. Mr Maddison was exposed to 200mg of the chemical Sarin, which was dripped on to cloths attached to his sleeve.

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."

Serviceman Mike Cox, who was sitting next to Mr Maddison in the gas chamber when he died, 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 be told all these years later."

A Wiltshire police spokesman said that nearly 400 other allegations had been received, but declined to confirm reports that 45 deaths had been notified to the inquiry.

He said: "We are aware of these reports, but are making no comment into the number of alleged deaths we are investigating."

A spokesman from the MOD also declined to comment on the widening of the investigation, but did say ministry personnel were now helping detectives 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