Japan: Murder probe doctor 'removed patients' respirators'

A surgeon is suspected of causing the deaths of seven patients at a Japanese hospital by removing their respirators, it was reported today.

Police have launched a murder probe into the suspected euthanasia deaths in October after someone removed the patients’ respirators at the hospital in Imizu City in Toyama state, 160 miles north west of Tokyo, said city spokesman Masahiro Sato.

Investigators suspect a surgeon in his 50s caused the deaths, Kyodo News agency reported. Most of the victims were elderly patients, Kyodo said.

Police refused to confirm the report.

Sato said the hospital and the city had reported the cases to the state government and police.

He said the identity of the doctor and other details related to his alleged actions were not immediately available.