POLICE have started a criminal investigation into maternity services provided to mothers and babies living in Ludlow and south Shropshire.

This follows investigations into the deaths of a number of babies cared for at the Shropshire and Telford NHS Trust over many decades.

The police want to hear from anyone who has any information that they think is relevant to the investigation.

Officers will be trying to ascertain if there are any grounds for bringing a criminal prosecution either against the trust or any individuals.

It will be a large scale operation with more than 1,000 families likely to be contacted and potential cases going back more than 40 years.

“We have met with NHS Improvement, The Department of Health and the independent reviewer to discuss complaints made against Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospital Trust in relation to maternity services and provision,” said assistant chief constable Geoff Wessell, from West Mercia Police.

“The independent review is ongoing.”

“We can confirm that a police investigation will be conducted to explore whether there is evidence to support a criminal case either against the trust or any individuals involved.

“The investigation is now live so we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

If anyone has any information who hasn’t already been in touch they can do so through the major incident public portal which is available online at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/22HQ19D84-PO1 or by calling 101.

Alternatively they can contact the independent review team by emailing: maternityreview@donnaockenden.com.