Police launch inquiry into missing embryos

The police have launched an inquiry into the disappearance of several frozen embryos from the storage facilities shared by two UK fertility clinics. A previous investigation by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority uncovered discrepancies between patient records and embryos stored by the North Hampshire NHS Hospital in Basingstoke, and the private Hampshire Clinic.

The mix-up is believed to have affected a total of 39 couples who underwent IVF treatment at the two clinics. The embryos involved were supposed to have been stored four to five years ago, but records do not match the number of embryos in storage. According to Carole Friend, a spokesperson for the Hampshire Clinic, the most likely explanation is that the embryos never existed at all.

Embryologist Paul Fielding has been suspended from his post at the North Hampshire Hospital since the mix-up came to light last week. His employers confirmed last week that their own inquiry would examine 'any financial irregularities' in relation to Mr Fielding's work. Hampshire Police have refused to comment on the investigation, which is expected to last several months.