AN inquest into the death of a serviceman at Wiltshire's Porton Down base 50 years ago will begin winding up next month after hitting another delay.

The inquiry into the death of RAF Leading Aircraftsman Ronald Maddison, being held at the former Trowbridge Magistrates' Court, was due to begin winding up on Wednesday.

But on Wednesday it was announced the summing up of would not start until November 1.

A police spokesman said: "Unfortunately administrative difficulties have arisen which prevent the summing up from beginning on October 20 as previously planned."

It is possible the verdict will be delivered on November 5 but the case may go on until early the following week.

The inquest follows an extensive police inquiry, codenamed Operation Antler.

The investigation into allegations of the treatment received by personnel at the Wiltshire chemical and biological centre began in July 2001.