Police identify 24 suspects over hospital drug deaths

Detectives investigating hundreds of deaths at a hospital have identified 24 suspects.

An independent panel previously found 456 patients died after being given opiates inappropriately at Gosport War Memorial Hospital between 1987 and 2001.

Families of those who died have been informed a new criminal investigation, led by Kent Police, has begun sharing files with the Crown Prosecution Service for charging consideration.

Operation Magenta, which follows three previous investigations by Hampshire Constabulary that resulted in no prosecutions, said 21 people were being investigated for alleged gross negligence manslaughter and three for alleged health and safety offences.

Kent Police Deputy Chief Constable Neil Jerome said the investigation was "one of the largest and most complex of its nature in the history of UK policing".

"It will be the CPS’ decision as to whether or not any criminal charges are brought in relation to these cases," he added.

Representing some of the families affected, Emma Jones, from Leigh Day Solicitors, said the news was "small comfort" to her clients - who she praised for showing "immense patience and fortitude" while the investigation has been carried out.

"They have already waited many years for answers into the deaths of their loved ones and progress in this investigation does not appear to have been fast," she said.

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Source: BBC News, 10 October 2024