The national police investigation into the Post Office scandal could face delays of up to five years, according to the commander leading the inquiry.

The warning comes as police work to investigate one of the UK's most significant miscarriages of justice, which saw hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly prosecuted for theft and fraud due to faulty Horizon computer software.

The commander stated that the investigation team would need to double in size to meet its current timeline. The scale and complexity of the case, which spans multiple years and involves extensive documentation, has created significant resource challenges for the inquiry.

The Post Office scandal has already led to widespread calls for accountability and compensation for those affected. Hundreds of sub-postmasters had their convictions overturned after it emerged that the Horizon IT system contained serious flaws that created false shortfalls in accounts.

The potential delay raises concerns about justice for victims and their families, many of whom have been waiting years for resolution. The investigation is examining potential criminal liability among Post Office executives and others involved in the prosecution of innocent sub-postmasters.