The deaths of three babies are to be investigated on the orders of Scotland's top law lord.
Leo Lamont, Ellie McCormick, and Mirabelle Bosch, all died in circumstances that have prompted Dorothy Bain QC, the Lord Advocate, to instruct a fatal accident inquiry. She has asked a sheriff to examine the deaths as they 'occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern'. The Crown Office have confirmed the children's families have been told of the move.
Officials said the families had suffered 'terrible losses' and it was hoped the probe would help prevent other tragedies. Health bosses at NHS Lanarkshire have confirmed they are aware of the probe but declined to comment further.
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The inquiry at Hamilton Sheriff Court is expected to hear health officials and families give details about Leo and Ellie, who were born in February and March 2019, and Mirabelle, who was born in July last year. The location and dates of their deaths have not been given.
A notice announcing the inquiry said: "The Lord Advocate having considered that the deaths of Leo Lamont, Ellie McCormick, and Mirabelle Bosch, occurred in circumstances giving rise to serious public concern and that it is in the public interest for a public inquiry to be held into the circumstances of the death."
A Crown Office spokesman said: "The Crown has undertaken to hold a fatal accident inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Leo Lamont, Ellie McCormick, and Mirabelle Bosch. COPFS will seek to establish whether there is learning that could minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.
"The decision to hold a fatal accident inquiry has been communicated to the families, who have experienced terrible losses. The Crown will continue to keep the families fully informed and answer any questions they may have about the process in the run up to and during the Inquiry."
An NHS Lanarkshire spokesman said: "I can confirm that NHS Lanarkshire will be taking part in the inquiry. As this is a formal legal process, we are unable to make any further comment at this stage."
A preliminary hearing has been set for September 5.
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