A 30-year-old nurse has been arrested again for allegedly killing eight babies.
Lucy Letby was taken in custody following a three-year investigation into the deaths of infants at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
She was previously arrested in 2018 and 2019 for allegedly taking the lives of eight infants and attempting to murder nine others.
“It has been more than three years since we first launched an investigation into a number of baby deaths and non-fatal collapses at the neonatal unit at The Countess of Chester Hospital,” Detective Chief Inspector Paul Hughes said.
“In that time a dedicated team of detectives have been working extremely hard on this highly complex and very sensitive case doing everything they can as quickly as they can to identify what has led to these baby deaths and collapses.”
DCI Hughes continued: “In July 2018, a healthcare professional was arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies at the neonatal unit at The Countess of Chester Hospital. She was subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.
“In June 2019, the healthcare professional was re-arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies. She was also arrested in connection with the attempted murder of three additional babies.”
He added: “Today, as part of our ongoing enquiries, the healthcare professional has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of nine babies. The woman is currently in custody helping officers with their enquiries.
“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 the time of Letby’s arrest, a friend described her as a “professional nurse” who “was doing the job she dreamed of doing and appeared nothing but dedicated and professional.
“You can’t imagine her hurting a fly let alone defenseless babies.”
Clinical Negligence specialist Emma Doughty said: “Our clients have been awaiting over three years to get some answers. While we respect the police investigation and their diligence we would very much like our clients to get justice in this case.
“Not only have the lost their babies but they have then had to deal with numerous investigations, and then subsequent arrests, all the while not knowing what really happened to their babies. This is a truly heart-breaking situation they find themselves in.
“We are supporting our clients through this difficult and challenging time and welcome any update to the police investigation.”
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