BREAKING: Nurse re-arrested in murder probe into deaths of 8 babies at UK hospital
Lucy Letby, 28, was initially arrested last July on suspicion of the murder of eight babies and the attempted murder of six other infants as part of a police inquiry into the deaths of 17 babies at the NHS Countess of Chester Hospital.
It is understood she was re-arrested on Monday based on further evidence that has been gathered by Cheshire Police.
Ms Letby has also been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of three more babies.
Detectives launched an investigation into infant deaths at the hospital in May 2017, initially looking at the deaths of 15 babies between June 2015 and June 2016.
The probe has since widened and police are currently investigating the deaths of 17 babies and 16 non-fatal collapses between March 2015 and July 2016.
“I would like to reassure people that we are doing everything we can as quickly as we can”
Detective Inspector Paul Hughes
Detective Inspector Paul Hughes, who is in charge of the investigation, said: “In July 2018 a healthcare professional was arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of 8 babies and the attempted murder of 6 babies at the neonatal unit at The Countess of Chester Hospital.
“She was subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.
“As part of our ongoing investigation we have today (Monday 10 June) re-arrested the healthcare professional on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of 8 babies and the attempted murder of 6 babies. She has also been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of three additional babies.
“The woman is currently in custody helping officers with their enquiries.”
He added: “Cheshire Constabulary launched its investigation two years ago. Since then, a dedicated team of detectives have been working on this highly complex and very sensitive case.
“I would like to reassure people that we are doing everything we can as quickly as we can to identify what has led to these baby deaths and collapses.”
“Due to the nature of this investigation it is extremely challenging but it is important to remember that it is very much active and ongoing – there are no set timescales and we remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation as soon as possible.
“We fully appreciate that it continues to have a big impact on all those involved – including the families of the babies, staff and patients at the hospital as well as members of the public.”
DI Hughes went on: “Parents of all the babies are continuing to be kept fully updated and are being supported throughout the process by specially trained officers.
“This is an extremely difficult time for all the families and it is important to remember that, at the heart of this, there are a number of bereaved families seeking answers as to what happened to their children.
“At this stage, we are unable to go into any further details about the investigation but as soon as we can provide any further updates we will do.”
- NHS
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