THE family of a toddler killed on holiday in the Bahamas have won a major victory in their fight for justice.

Two-year-old Paul Gallagher died from severe head injuries after he was hit by an out-of-control speedboat on the paradise island in August 2002.

Since then the Gallagher family, of Repton Road, Orpington, have campaigned for a full police investigation into the tragedy.

Now Bahamian officials have agreed Metropolitan Police officers can travel to the island to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

Father Paul Gallagher said: "We are absolutely delighted.

"We just want justice and for justice to be served there has to be a punishment and there are people who must be punished for killing my son."

The family say the Bahamian authorities have refused to carry out a full investigation into the tragedy.

They also allege the boat driver did not have a full licence and other drivers are still operating illegally on the island.

Mr Gallagher, 40, says the police probe must look into all aspects of the tragedy.

He added: "The police must be able to go over and do what they need to do. They should be able to conduct the investigation without obstacles, as they would in this country."

Paul, who was the first baby born in the borough in the new millennium, died when the speedboat veered onto the beach at the Atlantis resort and hit him.

A year later an inquest held on the island said the death was accidental.

A second inquest last October at Bromley Magistrates' Court recorded an open verdict.

Since then the family have made numerous TV appearances and written to Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The Foreign Office is waiting for written confirmation from Bahamian officials before the police investigation can begin.

The Gallagher's solicitor Clare Rowley described the development as a "massive step" for the family.