THE prisons and probation ombudsman has begun the independent inquiry into Harold Shipman's death.
Britain's most prolific serial killer was found hanged by a sheet from the bars in his cell in Wakefield Prison on Tuesday.
Ombudsman Stephen Shaw said: "I intend a very full and thorough investigation, as the public expect."
There had been much speculation about Shipman's death, and "it is now time for me to uncover the facts", he added.
Shipman was jailed for life in January 2000 for murdering 15 patients while working as a GP in Hyde, Greater Manchester.
An official report concluded he killed at least 215 patients over a 23-year period, but that the final death toll could be as high as 260.
The General Medical Council has already moved to introduce reforms regulating doctor performance, which it says will prevent a similar case.
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