THE reinvestigation into the death of a toddler killed on holiday in the Bahamas has been further delayed.

Two-year-old Paul Gallagher died from head injuries after he was hit by an out-of-control speedboat which mounted a beach in August 2002.

Nobody has been prosecuted over the death, even though neither the boat's owners nor its driver were licensed, registered or insured.

Since the tragedy, the same boat firm has been linked to an accident which saw an American teenager lose an arm, as well as two other deaths since 1999.

The Gallaghers, of Repton Road, Orpington, believe the silence is to protect the island's tourist trade, particularly the 3,500-capacity resort where Paul was killed.

An inquest in the Bahamas returned a verdict of accidental death but a second inquest held at Bromley Magistrates' Court two years ago recorded an open verdict.

Last October, an invitation from the Bahamian authorities to the Metropolitan Police to re-examine the case was stalled after both parties were unable to agree on the terms of the investigation.

A month later the Foreign Office confirmed negotiations had resumed and two senior Met Police officers were expected to fly to the Bahamas before the new year.

However, the Bahamian authorities have since rescinded their offer and say they will only allow the Met Police to examine existing paperwork on the case.

Paul Gallagher, 41, said: "This is what the Bahamian Government is expert at delays and silence.

"I know the two Met Police officers are still on standby but they are eventually going to have to say whether they are going there or not.

"At the moment it looks doubtful. I just can't believe that country can get away with this.

"It will be four years in August this year we lost little Paul and we are no closer to justice."

Mr Gallagher says the Foreign Office has not been able to explain why the Bahamian Government is no longer co-operating.