Convictions including rape and murder could be overturned after 'data manipulation' at lab
SCORES of convictions, including rapes and murders, could be overturned amid allegations of data manipulation at a forensics lab.
It was previously thought that 484 cases were affected, but 6,000 samples could be at risk
It was previously thought that 484 cases were affected, but a police probe has found more than 6,000 toxicology samples could be at risk.
But around 90 per cent of the 6,000 samples can be retested, the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has said.
Two men have been arrested by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) over allegations that hundreds of cases were mishandled by Randox Testing Services (RTS).
A team of forensic experts are identifying any live cases which require retesting and past cases where convictions could be unsafe, the NPCC said.
"The majority of cases affected are Road Traffic Act offences such as drug driving.
"However, RTS provided toxicology tests for other offences including rape, assault and murder so it is possible these cases could be affected," a spokesman added.