The investigation was initiated in June 2020 while the trust was being reviewed by Donna Ockenden who found catastrophic failings in a report published in 2022.

Superintendent Carl Moore said: ‘We have updated families this week that a new phase of our investigation has begun. This includes carrying out witness interviews with current and former members of staff at the trust.

‘Our investigation remains active with a focused and dedicated team. At the heart of this, there are a number of bereaved families seeking answers as to what happened to their loved ones, and we are committed to ensuring that the families involved are fully informed at each stage of our enquiries.'

Jo Williams, chief executive for The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: ‘We are truly sorry for the harm caused to those families who rightfully expected a safe experience under our care, and who were let down by us.

‘We know how important it is for the families and our communities to receive the answers they have waited for. We are fully cooperating with the police to support the integrity of their investigation.

‘We are committed to providing a responsive maternity service for our communities and our staff that is open, kind, constantly learning and consistently improving.'

The trust said it had implemented a number of improvements following the Ockenden Review. Its maternity services were rated good following a CQC inspection in 2023.

Changes include: a range of improved options of listening to women and families; a resident consultant obstetrician on duty at its delivery suite 24 hours a day; improved fetal monitoring; improved midwifery staffing levels; a robust training programme; and regular risk assessments.