A RETIRED doctor cleared of murdering three of his patients could face civil action from their families.

Last night, Gillian Coates, the daughter of Harry Gittins, 74, whose death sparked the murder inquiry, said that she and her family were considering taking civil action against Dr Howard Martin, who was accused of giving her father a lethal cocktail of injections of morphine, diamorphine and chlorpronazine.

She said that she felt that justice had not been done and civil action against the 71-year-old was an option.

She said: "We are just at the very early stages at the moment. We have spoken to our solicitors and there is not a lot more I can say other than that.''

Dr Martin, a former partner at the Jubilee Medical Group, which has surgeries in Newton Aycliffe, Shildon and Eldon, County Durham, was acquitted of the murder of Mr Gittens, from Newton Aycliffe; Stanley Weldon, 74, from Coundon Grange and Frank Moss, 59, from Eldon Lane, after a trial at Teesside Crown Court in December last year. He has always maintained his innocence.

Detectives announced on Tuesday they are investigating another 14 deaths after a review of patient notes relating to Dr Martin by Sedgefield Primary Care Trust.

Another 12 cases are being considered by Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle, who is yet to decide what action to take.