Shipman 'may have killed 192'

The number of deaths being investigated by police probing the criminal activities of serial killer Harold Shipman has risen to 192.

The latest figure emerged as it was announced that the huge police investigation into the GP from Greater Manchester was winding down.

A police spokesman said officers were still informing relatives of 192 suspected victims of the outcome of their investigation. The figure had previously stood at 175.

Shipman, 54, from Hyde, Greater Manchester, was jailed for life in January for the murders of 15 women in his care and forging the will of one of them to gain £386,000.

Kathleen Grundy: Shipman forged her will before killing her

Inquiry Detective Superintendent Bernard Postles, who is leading the inquiry, said the majority of the work was complete. The incident unit at Ashton-under-Lyne is to move to a smaller office in Stalybridge.

Earlier this month the families of Shipman's victims launched a legal challenge to the decision to hold the inquiry in private.

The relatives said the hearing should be in public and want the right to be legally represented at it.

They said a public inquiry would allow greater transparency and give them the right to cross-examine witnesses.

Police are still investigating up to 150 further cases of Shipman's patients who may also have been his victims. He is thought to be the UK's biggest serial killer.

The inquiry remit

How best to protect patients

Safeguards for isolated medical practices

Access to restricted drugs

The role of the NHS tribunal Accountability of the General Medical Council

The independent inquiry, which began last month, is examining the performance of everyone involved in the case.

Relatives of Shipman's victims will give evidence, but will not be represented by solicitors.

The families are seeking a judicial review in the High Court of the decision, by Home Secretary Jack Straw, to keep the hearing private.

Inquiry chairman Lord Laming is expected to report to Health Secretary Alan Milburn in the autumn.