The mother of a woman who was found dead on a Soho street almost three years ago hopes she will finally get some answers about her death.

Home Office minister John Denham and Shipley MP Chris Leslie have backed an inquiry into the death of Kelly Pearson, 30, who was taken from Shipley to London by police officers on a warrant.

She was kept in custody overnight on November 8, 1999, but at Court the next day officials realised that the warrant had been withdrawn.

Frightened, confused and hundreds of miles from home, Kelly, who had a history of drink and drugs problems, rang her mother Jean to say she could not get home. The next day she sought help from Great Chapel Street Medical Centre but was found dead from a cocktail of drugs later that afternoon, by a rubbish pile close to the surgery.

An inquest into Kelly's death in April gave a verdict of misadventure but left her mother Jean Pearson with many unanswered questions.

"Nobody was willing to accept responsibility and some of the evidence was contradictory," said Mrs Pearson, of Dewhirst Close, Baildon.

"There was confusion over whether the probation officer gave Kelly a travel warrant and whether she was refused treatment at the health centre. The Probation Service will also make no response to my request for the documentation for the travel warrant they claim was given to Kelly."

Following advice from Mr Denham, she is discussing with her solicitor whether to apply to the Attorney General and the High Court for a fresh inquest to be heard on the grounds of either new facts or evidence, irregularity of proceedings or rejection of evidence. Mr Denham and Mr Leslie have written to the authorities involved - British Transport Police, the Metropolitan and West Yorkshire Police forces and the Greater London Magistrates Court Authority - asking that they hold an inquiry into the matter and discuss what action can be taken.

Mr Leslie's letter to them reads: "The crux of the matter is the incorrect updating on the Police National Computer of the unexecuted but withdrawn warrant which led to Kelly Pearson's wrongful transfer to London, which had such terrible consequences. This error was therefore of a serious nature and I believe merits a serious review."

Mrs Pearson, who has spent more than £2,000 fighting for justice, has filed civil actions against the police forces.

She added: "I am pleased with this response from Mr Leslie and the Home Office. I feel as though Kelly's case is now being taken seriously. I am happy to go to the High Court with this."

Mr Leslie told the Telegraph & Argus: "Unfortunately, Kelly did not receive a good enough service when she was in London. It is up to the authorities concerned to decide if some sort of inquiry has to be carried out. Mrs Pearson quite rightly wants to take this matter further until she gets a satisfactory answer as to what happened to her daughter."