Colchester cancer care 'serious' issue, says England's hospital inspector

England's most senior inspector of hospitals says a healthcare trust in Essex may have put lives at risk for the sake of waiting time figures.

Colchester Hospital has been reported to the police, after staff said they were being pressured to change data about waiting times for cancer patients.

Staff had raised concerns but it has emerged that the hospital failed to investigate the allegations thoroughly. Regulators are now examining whether it should be put into special measures.

The chief inspector of hospitals in England, Professor Sir Mike Richards, says the investigation has identified two serious issues - the care of cancer patients and the leadership of the hospital.