PEOPLE in Lancashire could have been wrongly convicted of criminal offences amid allegations of “data manipulation” at a forensics lab used by the police.

Two men, aged 47 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in relation to alleged foul play involving hundreds of cases handled by Randox Testing Services (RTS).

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Lancashire Police has confirmed a review has been opened up concerning 17 of its cases and said it is working with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to determine whether data has been compromised.

The allegations have been described as “data manipulation” by the National Police Chiefs’ Council who confirmed 484 cases are being examined nationwide.

Chief Constable Debbie Simpson, who is the NPCC’s lead for forensic science, said: “Clearly, the integrity of both police processes, and the wider criminal justice system, is of great concern to us.”

Asked if the cases being re-examined could include murder investigations, the chief constable said: “There may well be.”

She added: “But in cases that are more serious it is very unusual that one single strand of evidence actually makes the case in its entirety, there is lots more evidence that is gathered.”

A police spokesman said: “In Lancashire we have 17 cases which could potentially be affected, although that number could fall as we investigate further.

“We will work in partnership with the Crown Prosecution Service to review each case to determine if compromised data played a part in any prosecutions and if any further action needs to be taken.”

Hyndburn Labour MP Graham Jones said: “I am alarmed.

“It is a of great concern that people may have been prosecuted and convicted on the basis of evidence that was not accurate or credible.

“Lancashire Police need in good time to review all these cases thoroughly and if data has been compromised inform those concerned.

“I should be interested to know whether there are people who were not prosecuted or convicted as a result of these problems too.”

Pendle Tory MP Andrew Stephenson said: “It is is deeply concerning if inaccurate or compromised information or data may been sued to prosecute individuals in Lancashire.

“It is very important that this matter is investigate and clarified as a matter or urgency.”

He added: “We need to discovery swiftly if tampered forensic results may have contributed to the wrongful conviction of an innocent person or vice versa.”