An inquiry has been launched after it emerged body tissue from workers at the atomic research centre in Harwell may have been removed for testing - possibly without the consent of grieving families.

Earlier this month, it was revealed tissue had been taken from 65 deceased workers at the Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria and an investigation was launched.

Last night, Whitehall admitted a similar situation may have occurred at the Harwell plant near Didcot.

At the heart of the probe is whether families of those tested knew what was happening - and if not, why not.

The UK Atomic Energy Authority said test samples could have come from people who had worked at any sites across the country, including Harwell, and had been checked for the effects of radioactive material.

The Government said work on test samples from across the UK was carried out in Harwell's labs until the early 1980s.

Harwell, which is being decommissioned and turned into a science campus, employed as many as 6,000 people during the 1950s and 1960s as the UK's main centre for atomic energy research.

Today, it is where the records of tens of thousands of former nuclear workers are kept.

Dr John Crofts, of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, said: "Our preliminary checks of records dating back 45 years have identified evidence that Harwell was involved in such work, but the information we have at this stage is incomplete and sketchy.

"The samples would most likely have come from people who had previously worked in the nuclear industry. They could have come from any of our establishments, including Harwell. The issue seems to me - was the proper consent sought?

"We are going back to a different era. It was not clear permission was sought. Bereaved relations, who may not have known, have a right to know whether an autopsy was sought.

"Our priority is to complete a thorough search, review of our records and to ensure all relevant information is made available."

An investigation into the removal of autopsy tissue from workers at Sellafield, which British Nuclear Power said was done for "legally correct" purposes, is being led by Michael Redfern QC.

Harwell and the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston, Berkshire, will form part of this probe.

The Oxford Mail was told tissue testing was carried out at the request of coroners and results compared with individuals unconnected to the nuclear industry.

Wantage and Didcot MP Ed Vaizey, whose constituency covers Harwell, said: "Local people will be shocked to hear this news.

"The Government has announced an inquiry into Sellafield and this will now include Harwell, which is welcome.

"We need to find out as soon as possible what went on - and all the facts need to be made public.

"I will work with local people to ensure that is the case."

Trade and Industry Secretary Alistair Darling said: "The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Atomic Weapons Establishment have begun to examine their records to identify if tests on autopsy tissues were carried out at any of the sites for which they are, or have been responsible, other than Sellafield. The UKAEA tell me they believe such work was carried out at Harwell - at least until the early 1980s - and possibly at other UKAEA sites, potentially involving work related to individuals who had not been employed at nuclear sites."

Did you have a relative who worked at Harwell or know someone who did? If so, call our newsdesk on 01865 425424 or email nqonews@nqo.com