POLICE are to support an investigation into care home deaths in Scotland during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pressure has grown for a public inquiry into the "national scandal" with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon facing increased calls from opposition politicians this week.
Police say their involvement does not necessarily mean any crimes have been committed and instead the force will work with the Crown Office to gather information.
READ MORE: Highgate care home feels pain of 22 coronavirus deaths
Assistant Chief Constable Duncan Sloan, lead for Major Crime and Public Protection, Police Scotland said: "We understand the significant public anxiety caused by reports of deaths among those being cared for and staff in the health and care sectors as a result of coronavirus.
“This is a matter of great concern for us all. The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has undertaken to review the situation and is working with a number of agencies. As part of this review COPFS has requested Police Scotland gather additional information.
“Our involvement does not necessarily indicate that crimes are being investigated and the information we gather on behalf of COPFS will help inform its decision on whether further action is required.
“These are challenging times for everyone but Police Scotland will continue to work with COPFS and other partner agencies to maximise public safety, to support and protect the vulnerable in our communities and to support the work of colleagues in the health and care professions.”
A number of high profile outbreaks have been reported in recent weeks, including at Highgate Care Home, in Uddingston.
The South Lanarkshire home reported more than 20 deaths from confirmed or suspected Covid-19 at the virus' peak.
It emerged last week that the Scottish Government oversaw the transfer of 921 delayed discharge patients from hospitals into care homes in March without testing them for Covid.
The patients, who were clinically well enough to leave hospital but had no suitable place to go, were moved in anticipation of a “tsunami” of Covid cases requiring hospitalisation.
The National Records of Scotland revealed earlier this week the number of deaths in care homes now almost equals the number in hospitals.
Despite the death rate slowing for four consecutive weeks, total Covid deaths rose 124 to 3,379 as of May 24.
Of these, 1,749 or 46.3 per cent were in care homes and 1,760 or 46.6% in hospitals.
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