Infected Blood Inquiry - Police review update

An update from Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin, Chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council Homicide Working Group, which commissioned the policing review of the public inquiry findings.

Following the conclusion of the Infected Blood Inquiry, policing commissioned a review to examine whether a criminal investigation should be undertaken. The review continues to be led by a senior major crime investigator, who is examining the inquiry findings and associated evidence to assess whether they meet the threshold for a criminal investigation and any potential prosecution.

We recognise that many infected and affected people have been waiting a considerable period for an update on this work and may be frustrated by the time it is taking to reach a conclusion. Given the scale of the inquiry report, the volume of material under consideration and the complexity of the issues involved, the review process has required detailed and careful examination to ensure that any future decisions are robust and evidence-led.

Since the last update, significant progress has been made. The reviewing officer has now completed an initial examination of all volumes of the inquiry report and is undertaking a further detailed review of their analysis, drawing together findings from across the report and considering the material as a whole.

Once that work is complete, the reviewing officer's report will be independently peer reviewed by another senior investigator. The report will then be considered by the critical reader group previously referenced in earlier updates, comprising senior policing representatives and subject matter experts. Their role will be to scrutinise the findings and help inform decisions regarding the necessity, nature, scope and direction of any potential future investigation.

As previously outlined, the review continues to identify a number of significant legal and evidential challenges that would need to be carefully considered before any decision regarding a criminal investigation can be made. These include evidential issues arising from the age of events, the availability and quality of historic material, and the high legal thresholds associated with any potential criminal offences.

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin said:

"I recognise that many people infected and affected by this scandal will be disappointed that we are not yet in a position to provide definitive answers. I understand that frustration, particularly given the length of time many people have already spent seeking truth, accountability and justice.

"We have previously spoken about the scale and complexity of this review, and those challenges remain. It is important that we consider not only the individual findings within the inquiry report, but also how they interact with one another across the report as a whole. That requires careful analysis and cannot be rushed.

"I remain confident that we have the right process in place, supported by experienced investigators and independent scrutiny. While that process takes time, it is designed to ensure that any future decisions are informed, objective and evidence-led.

"We are optimistic that, by the time of our next scheduled update, we will be in a much stronger position to provide a more meaningful assessment of the review's progress and the next steps under consideration. In the meantime, I would ask those awaiting the outcome to continue to bear with us as this important work progresses."

The NPCC remains committed to providing regular updates regarding the status of the review. The next update will be provided in the week commencing 25 January 2027.

Support for anyone infected or affected can be found via the Infected Blood Inquiry website and associated support services. Information regarding compensation, including how to claim, can be found through the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.