POLICE have praised the cooperation from hospital authorities as they continue inquiries into a series of mental patient deaths.

The Northern Echo revealed last month how police had launched an investigation into the death of Jonathan Long-staff.

Mr Longstaff died in a fire in the psychiatric wing of Darlington Memorial Hospital, in August 1975. Four other patients died within a matter of months, and an independent inquiry was held.

Durham police launched an investigation following a request from relatives earlier this year.

Relatives complained that the original inquiry left too many loose ends, and the final report contained inaccuracies.

A spokesman for Durham police said yesterday: "Documents and records relating to the original inquiry have been delivered to us by the County Durham and Darlington Health Authority.

"They are giving us their fullest cooperation, and the documents are being examined to determine how they might help the investigation."