Fresh probe on killing of schoolgirl Christina Edkins

NHS England confirmed a far-reaching review will take place following calls from the family of the 16-year-old, who was stabbed to death by paranoid schizophrenic Phillip Simelane on a bus on the way to school.

An initial inquiry by Birmingham Cross City Clinical Commissioning Group said Christina's death could have been prevented after it emerged Simelane had been released from prison with no supervision only months before the attack.

The the family called for the full facts in the lead up to the school girl's death and those responsible for failings to be identified.

And Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris said a national inquiry would add 'more teeth' to demands for improvement.

Today, NHS England said a fresh inquiry would be held after the Leasowes High School pupil's family wrote to them.

A spokesman said: "NHS England can confirm that a letter has been received and subsequently a decision has been made for a further review.

"The multiagency report was reviewed by the Regional Independent Investigation Committee on the 27 October.

"Taking this into consideration, as well as the family's wishes, it was felt this case would benefit from a further review.

"We understand this continues to be a difficult time for Christina's family. NHS England will strive to ensure that the family are satisfied with the outcome of this further independent review."

Christina's great-uncle Chris Melia said: "We say there should be another review which identifies those people who weren't doing their job properly.

"It is no good saying lessons will be learnt for the future. People need to be held to account, because the evidence showed a blatant failing from some professionals.

"We are not asking for some form of public naming and shaming, we just believe those identified should be subject to some form of additional training or disciplinary action.

"Some people should accept that their failing led to Christina's death directly."

In their letter, the family criticised John Short, chief executive of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust, who said Simelane, of Walsall, had 'slipped through the net' in an interview following the first review.

The Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust was also criticised by the first inquiry.

Simelane was detained indefinitely in a psychiatric hospital.