Nicola Sturgeon and former health secretary Jeane Freeman could face criminal charges over a decision to transfer untested patients into care homes, a prominent lawyer has said.

At least 1,300 elderly hospital patients were sent to care homes without being tested for Covid-19 at the start of the pandemic, a decision the First Minister and Ms Freeman have both admitted was a “mistake”.

With the announcement of a public inquiry into the handling of the coronavirus pandemic, a lawyer representing some families whose relatives died in care homes has said it is “entirely feasible” the pair could be charged over their role.