Police ask to postpone NI inquiry

Raychel Ferguson's death will be one of those investigated

The police have asked the inquiry into the deaths of three children at Northern Ireland hospitals to postpone part of the hearings.

They fear if the independent inquiry examines the death of 17-month-old Lucy Crawford from Fermanagh, it could compromise their investigation.

Health Minister Angela Smith set up the inquiry last November.

It came amid allegations that Lucy Crawford, Raychel Ferguson and Adam Strain died needlessly.

Their deaths were alleged to be from a condition known as hyponatraemia, leading to a shortage of sodium in the body.

But as the inquiry prepares for its first public sessions next week, the police have written to the inquiry requesting it defers looking into the death of toddler Lucy Crawford and the alleged cover-up.

This could have major implications for the inquiry. The target date of 1 June for a report and recommendations to government would in all likelihood slip.

The families would also endure a further wait to get to the truth of what happened.

The police letter also reveals that one of the doctors involved in the Lucy Crawford case "has not responded to our attempts to communicate with him".