BROADCASTING a public inquiry into the death of spy Alexander Litvinenko could lead to witnesses not attending because of fears of "reprisal or revenge" from Russia, police have said.

A lawyer representing the Metropolitan Police Service told inquiry chairman Sir Robert Owen that it would be "wrong and unfair that witnesses should be avoidably subjected to fears arising from the giving of evidence".

The inquiry into the death of Mr Litvinenko, who was poisoned in a London hotel, is due to start on January 27.

One of the decisions Sir Robert has to make before it begins is whether proceedings should be broadcast live on the internet, as was done during the Leveson Inquiry into culture, practices and ethics of the press.

Urging Sir Robert to rule that the inquiry should not be broadcast, Richard Horwell, QC, submitted that there were "compelling" reasons for such a decision.

Speaking at a hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, he said: "We have a fundamental objection to the broadcast of these proceedings because we believe there is a risk it will discourage co-operation and cause some witnesses not to attend, particularly those out of the jurisdiction."

Mr Horwell told Sir Robert: "This was a highly organised and shocking execution and you have found that there is prima facie evidence of Russian State involvement. That is what the witnesses will no doubt have in mind when approaching this inquiry."

He said: "Subjective fears are relevant, however mis-placed they may be, and as world events unfold no-one could suggest that it is ­fanciful for a witness in this of all hearings to be concerned about reprisal or revenge from Russia."