Police have launched an investigation into an NHS trust at the centre of the one of the worst maternity scandals in the health service’s history.

West Mercia Police confirmed it is probing claims made about Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospital Trust, which is already facing an independent inquiry into hundreds of alleged cases involving the deaths of babies and mothers stretching back to 1979.

Police confirmed that they met Donna Ockenden, who is leading the separate inquiry, and representatives from the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS Improvement on Tuesday.

In a statement, assistant chief constable Geoff Wessell said a police investigation will explore whether there is evidence to support a criminal case “against the trust or any individuals involved”.

He said: “Today, June 30, 2020, 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. 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.”