The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has lodged a first notice with the Sheriff Court to begin the court process for a conjoined FAI into the deaths of Stephen Britt, Andrew Judge and Colleen Higgins.

The inquiry is a discretionary inquiry under section 4(1)(a)(ii) and 4(1)(b) of the Inquiries into Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths etc. (Scotland) Act 2016.

A preliminary hearing will be held on 4 October 2024 at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

This Inquiry will explore the circumstances of all three deaths, with an anticipated focus on the care and treatment the deceased received.

Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, said: “The Lord Advocate considers that the deaths of Stephen Britt, Andrew Judge and Colleen Higgins occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a joint discretionary fatal accident inquiry should be held.

“The lodging of the first notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.

“The families will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.”