The BBC is embroiled in controversy surrounding the death of British weapons expert Dr David Kelly, who was the source of various BBC stories about the Iraq War.

Kelly was found dead in woods near his home on Friday after apparently committing suicide.

The BBC has since admitted Kelly was the main source for a story that called into question the way the government presented its case for war with Iraq. Kelly was the principal source for its controversial report claiming Downing Street “sexed up” an Iraq weapons dossier.

BBC director of news Richard Sambrook broke the news that the BBC had used Kelly as a source after speaking to his family after his death.

He said the corporation “believes it correctly interpreted and reported the information obtained from Dr Kelly during interviews,” without misquoting or misrepresentation.

Sambrook said “the BBC had, until now, owed Dr Kelly a duty of confidentiality and is profoundly sorry that his involvement as the source for the reports had ended in tragedy.”