Police have confirmed that an investigation has been opened into the deaths of a number of patients under the care of a colon cancer specialist at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

Sudip Sarker, who was suspended from work following urgent advice from the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) in October 2012, is being investigated by police amid concerns over his clinical practice.

It is not yet known how many patients are involved in the investigation, but police confirmed that three patients, whose deaths were the subject of a separate inquiry held last December, would form part of the inquiry.

Linda Millband, a senior clinical negligence specialist at Thompsons Solicitors, commented: “We know from our work on behalf of over 400 former patients of Mr Paterson, a surgeon in the Midlands who is under investigation by both the GMC and the police for his practice in cancer surgery how important it is that no stone is left unturned in this investigation. They are complex matters but for the sake of patients and their families who need answers and closure it is vital that this is a full transparent investigation and lessons are learned.”

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has set up an enquiry hotline for any patients who are worried about the treatment they have received: Concerned patients can call 01527 503812 or email surgeryreview@worcsacute.nhs.uk.