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Nurse rearrested over suspicious infant deaths at Countess of Chester Hospital

Lead detective confirms investigation is ‘active and ongoing’

Lead detective confirms that investigation into the suspected murder of eight infants and attempted murder of nine others is ‘active and ongoing’

Countess of Chester NHS Hospital
Countess of Chester Hospital. Picture: Alamy

A nurse has been rearrested on the suspicion of the murder of eight infants and the attempted murder of nine others.

Nurse Lucy Letby was previously arrested in 2019 and 2018 as part of an ongoing investigation into deaths and non-fatal collapses at the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

This week detective chief inspector Paul Hughes, who is leading the investigation, confirmed they had rearrested a ‘healthcare professional’.

Infants’ parents supported by specially trained officers during ‘extremely challenging’ investigation

‘The woman is currently in custody helping officers with their enquiries,’ he said.

DCI Hughes said parents of all the infants were being kept updated on the investigation and supported by specially trained officers.

‘Due to the nature of this investigation it is extremely challenging, but it is important to remember that, despite the passage of time, it is very much active and ongoing,’ he said.

‘There are no set timescales, and we remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation.’

He also urged people not to speculate online regarding the case.

‘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,’ he said.

Police urge public to avoid any commentary or online speculation during investigation

‘For that reason, I would urge people to avoid any commentary or speculation online or otherwise regarding the investigation itself or the identity of anyone involved as this is unhelpful and it could cause distress to the parents of the babies. It could also impact on the ongoing criminal case moving forward.’

Anyone with information to pass on to the police regarding the investigation can contact the police via the Operation Hummingbird mailbox at operation.hummingbird@cheshire.pnn.police.uk or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


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