The family of murdered Chessington Red Cap Simon Hamilton-Jewell joined a party from the Surrey Comet to deliver a petition to defence secretary Geoff Hoon, calling for a public inquiry into his death, writes Caroline Dutton.

The 1,387-signature Justice for HJ petition was handed in at Downing Street, with the help of Kingston MP Edward Davey and Richmond Park MP Jenny Tonge on Thursday.

It is hoped Mr Hoon will realise that the voices of 1,387 people across the UK deserve to be listened to.

Sergeant Hamilton-Jewell, 41, of Moor Lane, was one of six Red Caps killed by a fleet of Iraqis angered by weapon searches in Al-Majar Al Kabir last June.

His family believe an army inquiry will fail to attribute blame for a series of blunders which saw the boys left lightly armed with ineffective radio equipment and without backup facing a mob of 400 angry Iraqis.

The Surrey Comet took up the family's cause and over the last 16 weeks has collected reader signatures and support from big names including Falklands veteran Simon Weston and Liberal Democrat shadow defence secretary Paul Keetch.

On Thursday morning, waving placards and clutching the petition, the family and friends of Sergeant Hamilton-Jewell knocked on the door of 10 Downing Street and handed the petition to a waiting policeman.

Sergeant Hamilton-Jewell's brother Tony said handing in the petition marked a milestone in their fight for justice. He said: "I would like to offer many thanks to the Surrey Comet. I think it's amazing what you've done.

"I'd also like to thank every reader who supported the campaign."

It is anticipated confirmation from Downing Street will arrive soon. A full reply from Mr Hoon answering our demands for a public inquiry could take up to a couple of months.

MP Edward Davey has promised to work with the family and raise an adjournment debate on the issue after Parliament reconvenes in September.