THE grieving parents of a teenage soldier who took his own life after being bullied are planning to sue the Army.

Owen and Elaine Johnston, from the Infirmary area of Blackburn, heard at an inquest how their son Andrew was beaten and picked on while serving with the Queen's Lancashire Regiment.

Andrew Johnston took an overdose at his home six months after he was badly beaten at the regiment's barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire.

The couple are furious at the news there will be no investigation into the death and are planning to take their case to their MP, Home Secretary Jack Straw.

Mr Johnston, 44, said: "We feel as though the Army has not told us the truth about what happened.

"We want to get to the bottom of Andrew's death and it looks like the only way that will happen will be if we sue the Army."

He added: "We have been told that Andrew was picked on from day one at the base. "He was singled out because he was injured and it took him two years to get through his training.

"Friends of Andrew's have told us what went on at the base and it seems everybody knew that Andrew was getting picked on.

"We have been told that bullying in the regiment is rife and lots of people are getting picked on.

"We would like to hear from anyone who has suffered like Andrew did while serving with the Queen's Lancashires."

The Army say they will not tolerate bullying but there is little chance of an investigation because the chief witness to the assault is dead.

A hot-line has been set up for anyone who has been a victim of bullying. The confidential service got under way earlier this week and the number is 0800 731 4880.

Army chiefs would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed an attack on Andrew.

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