The home secretary has announced a public inquiry into the murder of Zahid Mubarek.

Mubarek was killed while being held at Feltham Young Offender Institution, having been ordered to share a cell with a racist inmate.

Prison officials have already admitted failing to protect him, but the circumstances that led to his death will now be investigated by High Court judge Mr Justice Keith.

David Blunkett had already been ordered by the Law Lords last October to hold a public inquiry, and announced that the review would now start immediately.

The judge will be assisted by three expert advisors who will provide advice on matters relating to race, prison operations and issues affecting prisoners.

The terms of reference for the inquiry are to report on "the death of Zahid Mubarek, and the events leading up to the attack on him".

It will also "make recommendations about the prevention of such attacks in the future, taking into account the investigations that have already taken place - in particular, those by the Prison Service and the Commission for Racial Equality".

A statement said the inquiry would be held on a non-statutory basis, without the power to compel witnesses to attend and give evidence

However, civil servants would be expected to co-operate with the review, answering all questions and giving a full and truthful account.

"There is no real difference in cost, time or scale between a statutory and non-statutory inquiry," said the Home Office.