A Treloar’s victim of the infected blood scandal and the solicitor representing 1,500 of those affected have called for a police review of the evidence to be sped up.

On October 28 the National Police Chiefs’ Council gave an update on whether a criminal investigation should be undertaken into the scandal.

Deputy Chief Constable Rob Griffin, who is overseeing the police review of the Infected Blood Inquiry findings, said: "I recognise that many people infected and affected by this scandal will be disappointed that we are not yet in a position to provide definitive answers.

“I understand that frustration, particularly given the length of time many people have already spent seeking truth, accountability and justice.

"We have previously spoken about the scale and complexity of this review, and those challenges remain. It is important that we consider not only the individual findings within the inquiry report, but also how they interact with one another across the report as a whole. That requires careful analysis and cannot be rushed.

"I remain confident that we have the right process in place, supported by experienced investigators and independent scrutiny. While that process takes time, it is designed to ensure that any future decisions are informed, objective and evidence-led.

"We are optimistic that by the time of our next scheduled update we will be in a much stronger position to provide a more meaningful assessment of the review's progress and the next steps under consideration.

“In the meantime I would ask those awaiting the outcome to continue to bear with us as this important work progresses."

The next update will be provided in the week commencing January 25, 2027.

Des Collins, senior partner at Collins Solicitors and adviser to some 1,500 individuals and family victims of the infected blood scandal, said: “This announcement of no news isn’t surprising to me. The authorities have a long history of dragging their feet on all things infected blood and it seems nothing has changed.

“The Infected Blood Inquiry final report was published in May 2024 and it’s very sad that our clients in the infected blood community are still waiting, two and half years later, for a determination on whether a criminal investigation will proceed and whether justice will be served on behalf of their loved ones.”

Former Treloar’s pupil Gary Webster, a victim of the scandal, said: “The fact there is still no decision to open a criminal investigation at a national level is beyond frustrating.

“I am losing faith that this will ever happen to be honest but clearly the door has not yet been completely closed on this possibility as the review is ongoing.

“The Treloar’s boys are putting our faith now in Donna Jones, police commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, who has said before that she is appalled that progress towards a wider national investigation has been so slow.

“We hope she can exert some pressure to move this forward, if not nationally then at least at a local level. We understand she recognises the Treloar’s story was a 'scandal within the overall infected blood scandal' and that events at the school may well merit its own special investigation.

“We look forward to receiving an update from Donna at our next meeting with her as to any influence she has to hasten decisions.”

The Treloar's victims are seeking a meeting with Rob Griffin and Donna Jones to discuss the matter further and “impress upon them the urgency of making progress”.