People around Skopje must know who is responsible

Mother, Sue Collins

The soldier was in the country as part of the UK contingent disarming ethnic Albanian rebels.

He was the only casualty in the 4,500-strong mission, which collected thousands of machine guns, mortars and other heavy weaponry.

An investigation came to an end earlier this week after the authorities in Macedonia said there was insufficient evidence to bring a prosecution against eight youths who had been arrested.

Parents Sue and Kevin, 45, from Sheffield, flew to Macedonia on Tuesday after hearing there would be no charges.

Youths' confession

Macedonian police had previously indicated the teenagers would be charged with committing "serious acts against public security", a charge between manslaughter and murder in gravity.

All eight had initially confessed to local police they were involved in the incident but later denied the charge when they appeared before the investigating judge.

Mrs Collins said she had been touched by the Macedonian people's "sympathy, kindness and hospitality".

"It is because I believe in the decency of the citizens of this country that I am making this appeal," she continued.

Sapper Ian Collins was collecting weapons from rebels

"People around Skopje must know who is responsible for the death of our son.

"Ian died in the name of peace. Please help us in the name of justice."

Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for the Balkans, Dennis MacShane, backed Mrs Collins' appeal.

"The British Embassy in Macedonia is the point of contact for anyone wishing to offer information," he said.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair pledged on Wednesday to do everything possible to get justice for the Collins family after the issue was raised in the House of Commons.