Police in Chesterfield, Derbyshire are investigating the deaths of three elderly patients during 999 call outs.

Officers say their investigation started following the death of a woman in April this year.

An ambulance was called to help 82-year-old Majorie Waller from Chestefield after she was reported to be in distress at a local swimming pool.

She was was taken in an ambulance but died before arriving at the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital.

'Suspension confirmed'

David Brookes, 43, who was one of the paramedics who attended the incident, has been suspended pending the results of the investigation.

Police are also looking into the deaths of two other elderly people who died during 999 call outs.

Spokesman for East Midlands Ambulance Service Phil Morris said: "I can confirm that a member of our staff has been suspended pending a police investigation.

"Until such time as the results of the police inquiries are known, it is not possible to comment further."

'Investigation continuing'

A spokesman for Derbyshire Police said: "On 16 May Chesterfield Police were asked to investigate the death of a patient who had been in the care of the East Midlands Ambulance Service.

"An ambulance had been called to a swimming pool in the Chesterfield area on 3 April to treat an 82-year-old woman.

"She was taken to Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

"The police investigation into the circumstances of her death is continuing."