Flowers at the scene of the crime

BBC correspondent Gary Duffy looks at the Lawrence case - Dur 2' 45"

"Strong Case" for Inquiry says Straw

Following a meeting with his parents, Mr Straw said he was "actively considering" their demands for a full judicial inquiry into their son's killing.

Neville and Doreen Lawrence have bitterly criticised the police and the prosecution authorities for their failure to secure any conviction for his death.

Eighteen-year-old Stephen died after being stabbed as he waited for a bus in Eltham, south-east London, four years ago.

Imran Khan: Hopeful

Doreen Lawrence spells out her demands

Following the meeting with Mr Straw, lawyers representing the family said they were encouraged by Mr Straw's statement.

"We are hopeful that he will conclude that an inquiry is necessary," said the family solicitor Imran Khan. "I think we all came away feeling very positive that we will have some inquiry in future."

Mrs Lawrence said she believed an inquiry was now the only way that the truth about Stephen's death in Eltham, south London, could be established.

"What we want to find out is the truth of what went on that night. The only way we're going to find out is through a judicial inquiry. A police inquiry is not enough," she said.

Last February an inquest jury returned a verdict that he was unlawfully killed "in a completely unprovoked racist attack by five white youths".

The Crown Prosecution Service had previously dropped charges against two white youths. A private prosecution brought by the parents collapsed after the evidence of a key witness was ruled inadmissible.