Infected blood scandal: Police review of public inquiry findings update

An estimated 30,000+ people in the UK were infected with hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV after being given contaminated blood products – primarily imported from the United States and distributed to NHS patients – in the 1970s and 80s.

Many of those were being treated for blood disorders such as haemophilia, while others were infected as the result of receiving blood transfusions. Thousands have lost their lives or continue to be affected as a result of the scandal.

A public inquiry into the scandal was launched in 2018, with hearings lasting from April 2019 to January 2023. The inquiry’s final report was published in May 2024.

Following the extensive Infected Blood Inquiry, which began in 20218 and concluded in 2024, we instigated a review to determine whether a national criminal investigation could or should follow. 

That review is currently ongoing.

Acting Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin said: “Following the conclusion of the Infected Blood Inquiry in 2024, policing commissioned a review.

"A senior major crime investigator was tasked with leading the review, which included examination of the extensive and detailed findings of the public inquiry to ascertain whether they met the criteria for a criminal investigation and potential for prosecution. 

“We hoped to complete the review this year. However, its scale and complexity was larger than anticipated and we are not yet in a position to confirm the next steps.

“We appreciate those affected are anxiously awaiting the outcome of our review, but it is both right and proper that we are thorough in our analysis and considerations before proceeding.”