The deaths of three young recruits at the controversial Deepcut barracks were probably self-inflicted and there is no evidence that they were bullied to death, a new review has concluded.

Outlining his reviews findings to MPs, Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram also said that he agreed with human rights lawyer Nicholas Blakes conclusion that a public inquiry was not necessary.

Mr Blake said that, on the balance of probabilities, the deaths of Sean Benton, Cheryl James and Geoff Gray at Deepcut were self-inflicted.

Given the recent coroners inquest into the death of James Collinson, he understandably refrains from reaching any conclusion on this particular death.

However, he said that the report outlined a disturbing catalogue of allegations of misconduct at the relevant times, adding that the Royal Military Police will be asked to investigate any disciplinary offences.

The minister said it was a sad and unfortunate fact that suicide and self-harm in the Army would never be wiped out but it was essential not to tolerate bullying.

Privates Geoff Gray, 17, from Seaham, County Durham, Sean Benton, 20, from Hastings, east Sussex, James Collinson, 17, from Perth, Scotland, and Cheryl James, 18, from Llangollen, north Wales, died in controversial circumstances between 1995 and 2002.