Sussex Police watchdogs are under pressure from ministers to publish information from two sensitive reports into the James Ashley shooting case.

Home Office minister John Denham said he wanted Sussex Police Authority to publish "as much as possible" from the Kent and Hampshire reports into the affair.

Mr Ashley was naked and unarmed when he was shot dead by police in his flat in St Leonards in January 1998.

The subsequent inquiry reports led to the forced retirement of Sussex Chief Constable Paul Whitehouse.

The Government's intervention was revealed in a written parliamentary answer to Labour MP Louise Ellman. She had asked ministers to ensure the content of the reports was published.

Mr Denham said he could not force the publication of the reports because they were the property of Sussex Police Authority and the Chief Constable.

But he said he had given reassurances to the Ashley family that the Government would encourage the authority to publish.

Mr Denham warned the reports contained confidential information that would to be subject to legal advice to ensure there was no adverse impact on other proceedings.

Leaked information from the reports accused Sussex Police of corporate failure and Mr Whitehouse of not telling the truth.

The chief, who denies the allegation, has said he may take action to protect his reputation.

There are two possible stumbling blocks for publishing the reports.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Jordan, who remains suspended over his role in the shooting, is expected to fight his case before a tribunal in January.

And there are possible disciplinary matters facing other officers involved in the operation.

Police Authority chairman David Rogers said: "I am glad the minister recognises the issues involved. We are waiting for a formal written request about publication from the minister."