THE chairman of an independent panel investigating the murder of Gwent private detective Daniel Morgan has resigned.

Sir Stanley Burnton, a retired lord justice of the Court of Appeal, was appointed by Home Secretary Theresa May to lead the panel but yesterday announced his resignation due to personal reasons.

The review into the murder of private detective Daniel Morgan, of Cwmbran, was announced by the Home Secretary in May 2013. Mr Morgan was found with an axe in his head in a pub car park in south-east London on March 10 1987.

Mrs May said the numerous failed investigations estimated to have cost £30 million had been 'dogged by serious allegations of police corruption'.

Sir Stanley said: "It is a matter of deep regret that I was unable to continue the important work begun by the panel. I would like to offer my best wishes to the family and the remaining panelists as the work continues into establishing the circumstances surrounding Daniel Morgan's death."

Scotland Yard has admitted that corruption was a 'debilitating factor' in the first investigation.

A spokesman for the panel said: "Sir Stanley Burnton today resigned as chairman of the Morgan Independent Panel for personal reasons. He informed the Home Secretary this afternoon.

"The work of the panel will continue and announcements about any further appointments will follow in due course. The Morgan family has been informed of Sir Stanley's decision and remains fully supportive of the panel process."