THE number of deaths in Todmorden saw an increase during killer doctor Harold Shipman's time there, it was revealed today.

The government has officially confirmed that patients from Todmorden could be among killer GP Harold Shipman's growing list of possible victims.

Shipman practised in Todmorden from March 1, 1974, to September 30, 1975.

The study, led by Leicester University Professor Richard Baker, cites an investigation by a local newspaper using the death columns.

It revealed that "the figures indicated an increase in the total number of deaths in the area during Shipman's appointment with 401 deaths between March 1, 1974, and September 30, 1975."

"In the previous 19 months (August 1, 1972 to February 28, 1974) there were 348 deaths and in the 19 months following Shipman's departure there were 372.

"The number of death certificates signed by Shipman while working in Todmorden was identified as 22."

However the report reveals that: "Shipman's rate of issue of death certificates at Todmorden is comparable with other practitioners."

A study of the careers of four comparable GPs in Todmorden and six in Hyde, Greater Manchester, where the 15 proved murders and most of the other suspicious deaths took place, shows that overall his death figures are much higher.

Over their comparable careers between 1974 and 1998 the ten other GPs signed 1,136 death certificates and 422 cremation forms between them.

Shipman signed 521 death certificates and 261 cremation forms on his own account.

While there is unlikely to be either police or Department of Health investigations into individual deaths, the Shipman's years in Todmorden and possible killings are part of the public inquiry into his career.

The public inquiry will be chaired by High Court Judge Dame Janet Smith due to start soon.