Suspected drug-drivers walk free over forensics lab breach

 Around 50 suspected drug-drivers have walked free after police admitted 10,000 forensic blood samples may have been manipulated by rogue scientists.

The motorists had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, including mindaltering Class A narcotics, such as cocaine and Ecstasy.

The prosecutions hinged on blood samples taken from the suspects. But the cases had to be thrown out after it emerged the samples were among thousands that could have been manipulated by a breach at a forensics laboratory in Manchester.

In addition two cases involving motorists convicted of causing deaths while drug-driving have been referred to the Court of Appeal.

Two former workers at the Randox Testing Services (RTS) laboratory in Manchester have been arrested and five others questioned in connection with the alleged tampering.