AN investigation will start next month to discover what different agencies knew about Kate Walsh's drug addiction before her death.

The 16-year-old from Highworth was found dead in a Manchester Road squat after it is believed she took a drugs overdose.

Now a Serious Case Review, which will feature representatives from the police, education health and social services, will examine in detail exactly what they knew, what was done about it and what lessons can be learned to stop anything similar happening in the future.

And although large swathes of the investigation, which is expected to last four months, will remain confidential its recommendations will be made public.

Yesterday representatives from each of the agencies decided the circumstances surrounding Kate's death merited an in-depth probe.

Supt Kevin Maidment, Wiltshire police's head of crime will sit on the panel.

He said: "I think the death of anyone is sad, but the death of a young person is particularly tragic especially the circumstances in which Kate Walsh died.

"The agencies will review what information they knew, when they knew it and what they did with it. They will check procedures and while it might not be able to eradicate every death what we can do is work together to minimise the possibility of a reoccurrence.

"They will identify what could have been done differently and lessons to be learned. It's not about apportioning blame, but if, as part of the process, the agencies can address any shortcomings, they will."

A chairman has not yet been appointed, but could come from one of the agencies or from outside the county altogether.

The Serious Case Review is similar to the investigation that examined lapses in the system that played a part in the death of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie in London in February 2000.

Kate's parents, Debbie and Anthony Walsh, say they approached police and social services to help their daughter beat drugs, but were told no one could help because she was 16.

The couple have now launched a quest to allow authorities to intervene to protect young people who are at risk from drugs.

Denis Thurley, who is speaking to the press on behalf of Mr and Mrs Walsh, said the family hope lessons will be learnt to prevent future tragedies.

He said: "Mr and Mrs Walsh are pleased with the decision to hold this inquiry, but they still wish that their calls for help had been taken seriously when Kate was still alive.

"Their objective has been to get changes made to ensure youngsters in a similar position to their daughter get better help."

Giles Sheldrick