Arrest in missing embryo case

North Hampshire Hospital: scene of the investigation

Police investigating the disappearance of frozen embryos at fertility clinics have arrested an embryologist.

Hampshire police confirmed on Friday that a man had been arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of deception and theft in connection with the inquiry.

However, officers refused to release the man's name.

The arrest follows an investigation launched last month at the private Hampshire Clinic and the North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke.

It centres on claims that frozen embryos of women undergoing fertility treatment were lost.

A total of 39 women are believed to be involved in the scare - 10 at the North Hampshire Hospital and 29 at the Hampshire Clinic, which share storage facilities.

Police statement

In a statement, police said: "Hampshire Police can confirm that a Whitchurch man was arrested on suspicion of deception and theft in connection with the inquiry into procedures and alleged deceptions at the Hampshire Clinic and the North Hampshire Hospital, Basingstoke.

"The man was interviewed and bailed pending further police inquiries."

Detectives were called in last month after a complaint from a woman from Petworth, West Sussex.

A force spokesman said the Hampshire Clinic had also called for a police inquiry.

Internal inquiries have been launched at the clinic and hospital involved and Health Secretary Alan Milburn has ordered Chief Medical Officer Professor Liam Donaldson to prepare an urgent report on the missing embryos.

Couples treated at the fertility clinics have been offered DNA tests to reassure them their babies are their own.

This is despite a spokeswoman for one clinic saying she was "100% sure" that no-one had been implanted with the wrong embryo.

Dozens are believed to have contacted helplines set up by the clinics - and some who are currently undergoing treatment have been told that they must start again to ensure there are no mistakes.

The embryos are created during IVF by introducing sperm to a number of eggs in the laboratory.

Two or three are immediately implanted into the woman, while the remainder are often frozen in case the attempt fails.