A healthcare professional has been re-arrested on suspicion of murdering eight babies and trying to kill another nine at a neonatal unit.

The woman, arrested on Tuesday, is understood to be nurse Lucy Letby, who was previously arrested in 2018 and 2019 over the tragedies at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Hughes, of Cheshire Police, said: ‘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 pendingfurther inquiries.

‘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.

‘Today, as part of our ongoing inquiries, 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 inquiries.’