The father of a Fife soldier who died in disputed circumstances while on holiday in Portugal believes police are shying away from a full investigation because they fear a repeat of the negative publicity prompted by Madeleine McCann's disappearance. 

 Darren Lackie from Cupar died a week ago in the popular resort of Albufeira and his body was returned home on Saturday.

Despite claims that his death was caused by a fall, dad Graham insists the Black Watch squaddie was drugged and then killed.

Medical reports show that, while he had not been drinking heavily, there were barbiturates in Darren's bloodstream.

The 21-year-old from Cupar was on what should have been a dream holiday with his girlfriend Ashleigh Wilson, also 21, when tragedy struck.

Ashleigh is convinced that their drinks were spiked and that Darren was subsequently mugged. Graham agrees, insisting there is "no way" his son would have taken drugs.

He is frustrated at the lack of a full police investigation into the death. "What happened was no accident," the 51-year-old told The Courier.

"A lot of ex-pats have told me that there have been a lot of muggings in the area recently but that they are kept pretty quiet.

"Cases like the Madeleine McCann disappearance have had a really bad impact on the tourist trade and I really do fear there could be a cover-up going on."