The police are investigating the death as a possible homicide case, focusing on the actions of senior managers and staff. The family had repeatedly requested a transfer from the ward due to safety concerns and Nevaeh’s repeated use of ligatures.

Police are investigating the death of a teenager at a Greater Manchester mental health unit. Nevaeh Owen died in March last year aged 18 after she used a ligature.

At the time, she was under the care of Greater Manchester Mental Health NHSFoundation Trust at Oak Ward at Royal Bolton Hospital.

Greater Manchester Police detectives are trying to establish if it should be treated as a homicide case and if offences of corporate manslaughter and/or gross negligence manslaughter may have been committed, the Manchester Evening News has learned.

It is understood the police investigation centres on the actions of senior managers and staff involved in Neveah’s care, as well as the emergency response after she was found unresponsive. It is understood the force is seeking expert opinion via the Crown Prosecution Service’s Complex Case Unit.