Greater Manchester Police flew to Malta as part of their on-going investigation into GP Dr Harold Shipman, who has so far been charged with murdering four of his patients.

The investigators wanted to conduct a post mortem examination on 53-year-old Marie Fernley, who was buried on her native island three years ago.

But police sources in Malta said that Mrs Fernley's family had refused permission for the exhumation at the Addolorata cemetery.

The sources said police would now have to apply for a court order to exhume Mrs Fernley's body before seeking clearance from the island's medical authorities.

Bodies exhumed

Dr Shipman's surgery

The bodies of six of Dr Shipman's former patients have already been removed from graves in Tameside, Greater Manchester, as part of a huge inquiry.

Dr Shipman is charged with murdering Bianka Pomfret, aged 49, on 10 December last year, retired nurse Winifred Mellor on 11 May this year, and retired postroom supervisor Joan Melia on 12 June. Mrs Mellor and Mrs Melia were both 73.

He is also charged with the murder of 81-year-old Kathleen Grundy on 24 June, and with forging her £300,000 will.