CRIMINAL charges will not be brought against a nurse who was arrested on the suspicion of the manslaughter of a patient.

Because of a lack of evidence, the 35-year-old - whose identity has not been revealed - will not be prosecuted in connection with the death of Gordon Thomas.

Mr Thomas, from Blackhall, east Durham, died a year ago following routine surgery at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.

Detectives were called in over fears a drip was wrongly set up during the operation.

The nurse, who was suspended from her job, was arrested and questioned by police.

The case was then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, where experts considered bringing a charge of manslaughter against the woman.

But after a year-long investigation she is set to return to work.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "Criminal inquiries have now been completed and the Crown Prosecution Service has ruled that there should be no criminal proceedings.

"The police investigation is now completed and the matter is now in the hands of the coroner."

Mr Thomas, 63, had been expected to make a full recovery following an operation for bowel cancer last May.

But the father-of-three, who lived at Railway Cottages, Blackhall Rocks, with his wife, Doreen, 60, died only days after the surgery to remove the tumour.

A second nurse was also suspended in connection with the case but returned to work a few weeks later.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said: "North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust would like to express its continued deepest sympathy to Gordon Thomas's family.

"Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

"The trust cooperated fully with the police during their investigation of Mr Thomas's death and welcomes the findings of the Crown Prosecution Service.