BURNLEY MP Peter Pike is calling for a public inquiry into the death of Christopher Alder.

The former paratrooper died in police custody after being assaulted outside a Hull nightclub.

His sister Janet Alder moved to Burnley a few years ago and has written to Mr Pike asking for his help.

Mr Pike said: "I believe there are a number of issues of concern in the way that it was handled right from the day Christopher died in Hull.

"His sister Janet is one of my constituents and I believe there are issues of concern and that it should be raised in the House of Commons."

The former paratrooper and father-of-two died in police custody at Queens' Gardens Police Station in Hull in April 1998.

His sister Janet, who lives in the Manchester Road area of Burnley, has since campaigned for justice for her brother. An inquest jury returned a verdict that he had been unlawfully killed.

Five police officers accused of manslaughter were acquitted after a judge said conflicting medical evidence meant a jury could not be sure how he died.

Mr Pike is also seeking an urgent meeting with Home Secretary David Blunkett MP.

Mr Justice Roderick Evans ordered the jury at Teesside Crown Court to clear the defendants officers Neil Blakey, 42, John Dunn, 40, Matthew Barr, 38, Nigel Dawson, 39, and Mark Ellerington, 36, of killing Mr Alder.