AN alleged scandal involving a forensics lab’s checks involves 27,000 suspect reports, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Randox Testing Services is at the centre of a police probe over the alleged manipulation of hair, blood and urine samples later used in criminal, family, coronial or employment cases.

The High Court has been told that “the potential injustices which have occurred as a result of the data manipulation are many and serious”.

An investigation has uncovered 27,000 reports which could be affected, the court was told.

An application had been made by GMP for the retention of data, first aired in relation to family court cases, as part of its ongoing criminal investigation.

Seven suspects, including a number of Randox scientists, had not opposed the order.

Sir Andrew MacFarlane, President of the Family Division, in a ruling, said: “In my judgment there is no viable alternative to allowing the data to be held by GMP which would also allow the individuals concerned access to the material needed to demonstrate a miscarriage of justice.”

The cases relate to Randox and a predecessor, Trimega Labs, from 2011 to 2017.

A police spokesman confirmed no-one has yet been charged in relation to the inquiry.