THE BROTHER of a murdered Cwmbran private eye is taking legal action against Home Secretary David Blunkett over his refusal to launch a public inquiry into the murder.

Mr Blunkett could be served with a High Court writ within weeks. The solicitor acting for Daniel Morgan's family claims the Home Secretary misdirected himself on the facts in law and was in breach of Human Rights Act Obligations.

Daniel Morgan, 37, who grew up in Llanfrechfa, Cwmbran, was found dead with an axe in his head in a London pub car park in 1987. Despite four inquiries and three internal reviews into his death, no-one has ever been convicted of the killing.

The private eye's brother Alistair Morgan confirmed his solicitor is preparing to issue proceedings against the Home Office after minister Hazel Blears turned down a call for a public inquiry.

"The Home Office's treatment of this case from the very beginning has been very poor," said Mr Morgan.

"They have been totally unhelpful and even obstructive. There is something going seriously wrong when even our calls for a meeting with Home Office officials are turned down.

"Our MP Chris Smith has asked for a meeting on our behalf but has had no response. It is profoundly undemocratic that MPs should be completely ignored like that."

Solicitor Raju Batt has until September 10 to issue proceedings in the district court to challenge the Home Office ruling, and is waiting for public funding for a judicial review.

Mr Morgan said: "We are right in the thick of it and I wouldn't like to comment on our chance of success but we are determined to take this forward."

He called for a public inquiry under the same section of the Police Act 1996 that resulted in a public inquiry into the murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence.