GWENT Police have identified 28 cases which could be linked to an investigation into alleged data manipulation at a forensics laboratory in Manchester.

Last week, the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) identified more than 10,000 cases, sent to a Randox Testing Services site, which “may have been affected”.

The NPCC said three-quarters of the cases, across 42 police forces, were traffic offences such as drug driving, with the rest including violent crime, sexual offences and unexplained deaths.

Retests have so far found no impact on cases of sexual offence cases, violence or homicide, the council added.

Detective chief superintendent Mark Warrender, head of protective services, said: “Gwent Police is aware of the recent investigation surrounding the misreporting of forensic examinations by the Forensic Service Provider, Randox.

“We have identified 28 cases, involving a range of offences, which could potentially be affected as a result of items being submitted during the period concerned.

“A risk assessment has been carried out nationally and the identified cases have been determined to be low risk.

“We will continue to work closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council as the investigation continues.”

Two men have been arrested and five interviewed under caution by Greater Manchester Police over the alleged manipulation by individuals working at a Randox Testing Services site in Manchester.

The alleged manipulation emerged earlier this year when a data anomaly in a drug driving case was reported to Randox.

The NPCC said retesting was either complete or under way for around 70 per cent of the highest priority cases, with the rest expected to be completed by mid-2018.

Potential data manipulation at a separate facility, Trimega Laboratories, is also being investigated by Greater Manchester Police, the NPCC said.

This may affect child protection and family court cases.

It is understood the two suspects arrested in connection with the alleged malpractice also worked for Trimega.