Police say they have no 'sufficient evidence' a crime has been committed after investigation into £20,000 fraud allegation at Sunderland mental health hospital

An investigation into an allegation of fraud involving a patient at a Sunderland mental health hospital has not found ‘sufficient evidence’ that a crime has been committed.

By Poppy Kennedy

Published 13th Jan 2020, 06:00 BST

Updated 13th Jan 2020, 06:05 BST

In October, the Echo reported that Northumbria Police was investigating reports of the fraud involving a patient at Hopewood Park Hospital, in Ryhope.

But now the force has confirmed there was ‘not sufficient evidence’ that any criminal offences had been committed.

At the time, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the hospital, confirmed it was assisting police with their inquiries.

A force spokesperson said: “A thorough investigation has been carried out and there was not sufficient evidence that any criminal offences had been committed.”

If anyone has any fresh information regarding the allegation, they are urged to contact the police.

Hopewood Park is a purpose-built mental health hospital which opened in September 2014 on the site of the former Ryhope General Hospital.