Police probe baby deaths at Cumbria hospital

Police have launched an investigation into “a number” of baby deaths at a hospital in Cumbria.

Officers will probe several infant deaths after Joshua Titcombe died nine days after his birth at Furness General Hospital in October 2008.

An inquest in June ruled the baby died of natural causes but that midwives had repeatedly missed opportunities to spot and treat a serious infection.

It is not yet clear how many deaths the investigation will look into.

Detective Inspector Doug Marshall said: “Cumbria Constabulary is continuing an investigation into a number of deaths that occurred after mothers and infants received care at the maternity unit in Furness General Hospital.

“The investigation began following the death of nine-day-old Joshua Titcombe from Dalton and, following a scoping exercise, detectives widened their investigation to include a number of other deaths.”

He added: “The inquiries are detailed and complex so it is too early to determine exactly which of these cases, or how many others, the investigation may include as it progresses.

“Fifteen detectives are working on the investigation from major incident rooms that have been set up in Penrith and Barrow. Family Liaison Officers have also been assigned to families to ensure they are supported and kept informed as inquiries continue.”

Tony Halsall, Chief Executive of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are not aware of any further developments with the investigation into the tragic death of Joshua Titcombe or the widening of this investigation to include any other cases.

“If the police wish to contact us, we would cooperate fully to assist them.”