AN East Peckham man whose son was killed in the 7/7 bombings has highlighted the lack of financial support for victims' families.

Grahame Russell, whose son Philip died in an explosion on a bus in July 2005, said many bereaved families will not be able to afford legal representation at the official inquest which is expected to take three months to complete.

Speaking to the Courier after meeting with other victims' relatives this week, Mr Russell, 66, said: "We were told that legal aid is not available for inquests and there was a lot of concern about the possibility of the families having to pay for legal representation.

"When you look at the type of legal fees there are nowadays, I very much doubt if people will have the ability to pay."

The Russett Road resident said he believed it was important to have a professional on hand who understands the inquest process and knows how and when to ask pertinent questions.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman told the Courier that while legal aid is not normally available for inquests, it could be granted by the Legal Services Commission "in exceptional circumstances".

Mr Russell responded: "We will be making representations, but I'm not holding my breath on it.

"The problem they have is there are 52 people and each one may want a different case put, which would cost them a fortune, especially at the rate which solicitors and QCs charge."

Mr Russell was also critical of the decision to hold the inquest into the deaths of the four suicide bombers at the same time as their 52 victims.

He said: "Most of the families were very surprised that that was going to happen and a lot of them were unhappy it was going to happen in that way.

"It could very well put us into contact with members of the bombers' families.

"However, it was made clear that every effort would be made to spare the families of the victims from meeting any of their (the bombers') families."

He added: "There's no point in being furious because it is the law and they have to hold an inquest on everybody who was killed in that particular event, regardless of who they were. But, obviously, that doesn't make it right.

"They say they can't do anything about it, but they can do anything they like if they really want to."

The inquest is scheduled to take place in autumn 2010.