Nurse re-arrested on suspicion of murdering eight babies at Countess of Chester Hospital

Lucy Letby is also being questioned about the attempted murder of nine babies

A nurse has been re-arrested by police on suspicion of the murder of eight babies at a hospital neonatal unit.

Lucy Letby was arrested in July 2018 on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies, and the attempted murder of six babies, between 2015 and 2016 at the neonatal unit at Countess of Chester Hospital.

She was bailed pending further enquiries but is understood to have been re-arrested today.

She has also been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of three additional babies.

‘Highly complex’ case

Detective inspector Paul Hughes, who is in charge of the investigation, said the woman – who has not been named but is understood to be Ms Letby – was currently in custody.

‘Cheshire Constabulary launched its investigation two years ago,’ he said.

‘Since then, a team of detectives has 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 [non-fatal] collapses.

‘We fully appreciate that it continues to have a big impact on all those involved – including the families of the babies, the staff and patients at the hospital, and members of the public.’

The search for answers

Mr Hughes added that the parents of all the babies involved were being kept fully updated and supported throughout the process by specially trained officers. 

‘It is important to remember that, at the heart of this, a number of bereaved families are seeking answers as to what happened to their children,’ he said.

Help with enquiries

Commenting on the re-arrest, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Susan Gilby said: ‘Our thoughts are with the bereaved families. We are cooperating fully with the ongoing police investigation and so are unable to comment further at this time.’

Anyone with information 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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