A further investigation into bullying at the Deepcut army barracks has been announced.

Armed forces minister Adam Ingram said he was appointing a "fully independent figure" to carry out the probe.

Families of four recruits who died at the base following shooting incidents have been demanding a full public inquiry.

The latest move followed reports that police investigators had uncovered more than 100 incidents of bullying, rape and sexual harassment.

"These are serious issues and while I am satisfied that all that can be done is being done, there is a need for this to be seen to be done," Ingram said.

"I therefore accept the case for a further review by a fully independent figure."

Ingram denied there was any attempt by the Ministry of Defence to cover up abuse at Deepcut.

"The army and the Ministry of Defence take issues of bullying, harassment and any form of mistreatment extremely seriously," he said.

The inquiry announcement followed the leak of a Surrey Police document listing 173 separate allegations of abuse at the base, including nine alleged cases of rapes.

Ingram said the document was not proof that a "culture of fear and violence" existed at Deepcut.

"We must be very careful here. This document does not contain evidence," he said.

"It contains some allegations which have already been investigated and other allegations which are worthy of investigation, but have not yet been tested."

Explanation

Opposition politicians welcomed the new inquiry but expressed disappointment it was not the full public inquiry they have pushing for.

Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Paul Keetch said: "For the sake of those families who still seek answers, the integrity and reputation of the British army and, for the young servicemen and women who deserve our protection there should be a full independent public enquiry into the events at Deepcut.

"The government must explain why questions about bullying have been dropped from the army's own internal personnel reviews.

"Last year, over half of the 4,000 soldiers who were questioned believed the army had problems in this area, and 83 said they personally had been bullied.

"Why were the questions dropped? Or were they asked and not published? The government needs to take the issue of bullying seriously. It can no longer be swept under the carpet."