Shipman inquiry publishes probe findings
A report into the police investigation which failed to spot serial killer Harold Shipman’s murderous ways was due to be published today.
Greater Manchester Police carried out a discreet investigation into the former GP from Hyde in March 1998 and found no evidence of anything suspicious.
Shipman, who the inquiry ruled last year had killed at least 215 of his patients over 23 years, went on to murder three more women before finally being caught five months later.
Today, the Shipman Inquiry’s second and third reports were due to be published in written answers to Britain's House of Commons by the British Home Secretary David Blunkett.
Inquiry chairwoman Dame Janet Smith was then due to announce her conclusions on the initial police investigation.
The third report focuses on the present system for certifying deaths and cremations and includes recommendations for change based on Dame Janet’s findings.
The inquiry, being held at Manchester Town Hall, will then move into its final stage, looking at whistle-blowing and the monitoring of general practitioners, which is expected to last until the end of the year.
Shipman, 57, is serving life at Wakefield Jail after being convicted three years ago of murdering 15 of his patients by injecting them with heroin. He has refused to co-operate with the Inquiry.
