There has been an angry reaction from friends of weapons expert Dr David Kelly over the BBC's decision to investigate his death for a new TV series.

Dr Kelly, who lived in Southmoor near Abingdon, was at the centre of the controversy over the so called "sexed-up" dossier on supposed weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.

He was found dead at Harrowdown Hill in July 2003, after telling his wife he was going for a walk.

Lord Hutton in his inquiry concluded that Dr Kelly died after slashing his wrist, but two years ago ambulance technician David Bartlett and paramedic Vanessa Hunt disputed the official claims.

They said there was too little blood around the body.

Thames Valley Police said they were satisfied with the outcome of their inquiries.

Lord Hutton in his inquiry concluded that Dr Kelly committed suicide and the Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner said there were no exceptional reasons to reopen the inquest.

In January, the BBC is to broadcast a four-part series focusing on conspiracies, called Conspiracy Files, which will explore inconsistencies in official accounts.

The final programme will look into the death of Dr Kelly and talks to people who, despite the official explanation, argue that the medical evidence does not point to suicide.

The BBC said the series was still in production and it was too early to say who and what will be included in the programme.

But is a programme that should not be made, according to Ron Green, the chairman of Kingston Bagpuize with Southmoor Parish Council.

He said: "I am sorry that this whole episode is being raked up again, just when Dr Kelly's wife Jan and family are getting over the initial shock.

"This is the last thing they want to see.

"There was a lengthy inquiry and I feel there is no reason to doubt the conclusions that tragically Dr Kelly took his own life."

Sylvia and Stan Webb, who live in Sandy Lane, not far from Mrs Kelly, said they feared the programme would upset the Kelly family.

Mr Webb was in the crib team with Dr Kelly that met in the Hinds Head pub at Kingston Bagpuize.

Mrs Webb said a lot of people were sceptical about the verdict that Dr Kelly had taken his own life.

But she added: "I am not so sure that we want yet another programme about Dr Kelly because it will upset the Kelly family."

During the four-part TV series, the BBC will also examine the death of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997; the Oklahoma Bombing of 1995 and the al Qaida attacks of 9/11.