A surgeon could be facing legal action over a death in hospital after new evidence came to light regarding the incident.

William John Martin, 55, died in 2001 during an operation at the City Hospital, the Belfast Telegraph reports.

Surgeon Dick Donaldson tore the victim’s portal vein and hepatic artery while performing a bladder removal procedure and it is claimed by Mr Martin’s family that this was a result of clinical negligence.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has said it is looking into the death again and may formally reopen the investigation, leaving Mr Martin’s family free to pursue legal action if the surgeon is found to be negligent.

A spokesperson said: "The PPS confirmed that in light of new information which has been brought to its attention it will be meeting with police this week."

Clinical negligence occurs when a professional in the health service provides care that is deemed to be below standard and this causes physical injury, death or distress.

Negligence may occur from delay or failure to diagnose a condition, delay or failure to treat a condition, when a treatment goes wrong, use of the wrong treatment, or failure to obtain consent.