A British peace activist, who was shot while observing Israeli troops in Gaza last year, has died in a London hospital.

Tom Hurndall, 22, has been in a coma since he was shot in the head in a Palestinian refugee camp last April.

He died last night from pneumonia at the Royal Hospital for Neurodisability in Putney.

The Israeli army indicted a soldier on six charges, including aggravated assault, on Monday, and it was reported today that this charge may now be amended to manslaughter.

Mr Hurndall's parents, who live in Tufnell Park, north London, are said to be pressing for a murder charge.

The family are campaigning for an independent investigation into the shooting, fearing the official army probe will be a compromise.

Jocelyn Hurndall told a press conference last October that her son had been shot in broad daylight, while wearing a bright jacket that clearly showed he was not a threat.

Witnesses claimed he was shot while helping children away from the path of an Israeli tank.