Deaths of three babies in Lanarkshire to be investigated by fatal accident inquiry

The deaths of three babies in Lanarkshire are to be investigated in a fatal accident inquiry in September.

Scotland’s top lawyer, the Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain QC, instructed the Crown Office to investigate the deaths of Leo Lamont, Ellie McCormick and Mira-Belle Bosch because they “occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concerns”, the notice of inquiry said.

The notice did not give the dates of the infants’ deaths or where they occurred but NHS Lanarkshire confirmed it would be taking part in the inquiry.

The Crown said that the families who have experienced “terrible losses” have been told about the probe.

A preliminary hearing is to be held at Hamilton Sheriff Court on September 5 this year.

A spokesperson for COPFS said: “The Crown has undertaken to hold a Fatal Accident Inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Leo Lamont, Ellie McCormick, and Mira-Belle Bosch.

“COPFS will seek to establish whether there is learning that could minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

“The decision to hold a fatal accident inquiry has been communicated to the families, who have experienced terrible losses.

“The Crown will continue to keep the families fully informed and answer any questions they may have about the process in the run-up to and during the inquiry.”

An NHS Lanarkshire spokesperson said: “I can confirm that NHS Lanarkshire will be taking part in the inquiry. As this is a formal legal process, we are unable to make any further comment at this stage.”