Victims and families call for prosecutions as contaminated blood inquiry nears end

It is believed that 3,000 people died, and many were infected, after receiving contaminated blood. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

Victims and family members affected by the contaminated blood scandal are calling for criminal charges to be considered as the public inquiry into the tragedy draws to a close.

While the inquiry, which will begin to hear closing submissions on Tuesday, cannot determine civil or criminal liability, people affected by the scandal are keen for the mass of documents and evidence accumulated over more than four years to be handed over to prosecutors to see whether charges can be brought.