POLICE say they have found no evidence of crimes relating to historical abuse at a Kendal maternity home.

The investigation was carried out after church authorities apologised to a man who said his wife suffered from mistreatment at the former St Monica's home for unmarried mothers.

Stephen Hindley said he believed his wife Judith took her own life in 2006 as a result of trauma she faced at the home.

She was 17 in 1963 when she was sent to the home for unmarried mothers to have their children.

The Diocese of Carlisle, which ran the home in Dalton Drive, said it was shocked after Mr Hindley claimed his wife was mistreated and suffered the loss of her baby - also called Stephen - after bosses allegedly refused to allow hospital care.

Cumbria Police said detectives reviewed all available evidence after concerns were raised and have not identified any crimes.

A forces spokesman said: "The investigation, carried out by detectives at Westmorland and Furness CID, involved a review of all available evidence.

"Police also carried out enquiries which included contact with staff at the cemetery, interested parties, the relevant diocese and the local authority.

"Officers followed up and focused on concerns raised.

"We can confirm that, to date, no crimes have been identified.

"We understand the issues raised can be traumatic for some people. A guide to support services available for a variety of issues is available here: Victim Services Archive - Cumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (cumbria-pcc.gov.uk)

"Anyone who has any information regarding any potential criminal act can contact officers on 101."

Mr Hindley said he believed the child was buried in an unmarked grave at Kendal's cemetery, with tens of other babies from the home also feared to have been buried in that way. 

A joint statement from Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council said:  “During this time period families often didn’t have sufficient resources to pay for a funeral.

"Consequently, burials in unpurchased or public graves were fairly common.

“Whilst our records do not contain the causes of death for those buried at Parkside Cemetery, the Council does hold records of who is buried there and these are publicly available.

 “If anyone thinks they, or a relative, spent time at St Monica’s and would like to find out more, they can get in touch with the Information Governance Service at Westmorland and Furness Council at: information.governance@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.” 

The home opened in 1918 before moving to Dalton Drive in 1933.

It closed in 1970, with the building becoming the retirement home Silver Howe.