Northumbria Police contact twenty six families over stored human tissue

Human samples were stored longer than needed at South Tyneside Hospital Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

Northumbria Police has confirmed it is contacting twenty six families after human samples were found stored at South Tyneside District Hospital for longer than necessary.

The samples were taken in cases of unexplained deaths involving police and coroners, dating back a number of years.

The Home Office says its Forensic Pathology Unit was made aware in December 2014 that the items were being held.

Now, Northumbria Police has released a statement, saying it understands the 'gravity of this situation and the devastating effect it has had on the families involved.'

The update from Northumbria Police brings the total number of families involved to thirty nine. Cleveland Police had previously said it is in the process of contacting thirteen families, following the discovery.

The South Shields MP, Emma Lewell Buck, says she hopes to raise the matter in the House of Commons.

More on this story: Investigations after stored organs discovered