THE Burnley sister of a former paratrooper who died in police custody has called for a public inquiry after five police officers were cleared of neglect of duty.

Janet Alder said she would fight on to try and get justice for brother Christopher, who died five years ago.

Sergeant John Dunn, 40, and PCs Neil Blakey, 42, Mark Ellerington, 37, Nigel Dawson, 41, and Matthew Barr, 38, were cleared of neglect of duty at an independent hearing following Christopher's death at Queen's Gardens police station, Hull, on April 1, 1998.

The former paratrooper died face down with his trousers around his ankles.

An inquest concluded that Mr Alder, who had been arrested for breach of the peace, was unlawfully killed.

In the criminal trial that followed, all five officers were cleared of manslaughter and misconduct in a public office.

Janet said: "Although I am disappointed, I didn't really expect any other decision. However this is far from over. The fight will go on and I am calling for a public inquiry so the truth can come out. I am determined not to let this drop."

Announcing the verdict yesterday, Humberside Assistant Chief Constable John Crosse denied that racism had been a factor in Mr Alder's death.

He said: "The coroner, Geoffrey Saul, specifically referred to the fact that race was not a relevant issue.

"The judge in the criminal trial, Mr Justice Roderick Evans, did not mention the issue of race.

"I feel enormous sorrow for the family but for anyone to raise the issue of racism or suggest that the case is sinister or there has been a cover-up, is unhelpful."