POLICE have dropped an investigation into allegations of mistreatment of a mental health patient in Blackburn, saying there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal offence.

Last year, the Lancashire Telegraph revealed how six staff at the Pendleview Unit had been suspended following allegations that a women was left screaming and covered in excrement for several hours during an overnight shift.

It has been claimed night shift workers failed to offer adequate assistance to the woman, who was said to be in severe distress before being found by workers starting the day shift.

Although the police inquiry has been closed, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the unit on the Royal Blackburn Hospital site, will now conduct an internal investigation, while the staff remain suspended on full pay.

Dee Roach, director of nursing, quality and governance, said: “Following the confirmation that the police are not pursuing a criminal investigation, the trust has commenced its internal investigation with immediate effect.

"Whilst the investigation is still ongoing, a number of staff remain suspended. This is standard practice when investigations are undertaken. The Nursing and Midwifery Council have been informed that an investigation is taking place and if required, referrals will be made to them following the outcome of the investigation.

“It is important to note that a staff member being suspended is not an indication of wrongdoing. This is essential to ensure that an open and transparent investigation can take place and is standard practice within the NHS. Whilst suspended, staff remain on full pay and their suspension status is reviewed on a regular basis throughout the duration of the investigation.”

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: “Following careful consideration of all the available information, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to prove that a criminal offence had taken place and as such there will be no further police involvement."

The internal probe comes after a week of intense criticism of the trust's inpatient wards in Blackburn and Burnley, following a Lancashire Telegraph investigation into their seemingly disproportionate use of discredited face-down restraint methods and other restrictive practices.