A SECOND hospital is now investigating the nurse who police allege is linked to the deaths of at least eight babies.

Lucy Letby was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of murdering the babies and attempting to kill another six infants. A further three baby deaths were being investigated.

The 28-year-old was a celebrated member of the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital where a large number of suspicious deaths of infants occurred.

Ms Letby’s arrest stunned colleagues because she was regarded as a “champion for children” she cared for — and helped a massive fundraising campaign to build a new $5 million baby unit at the hospital and had repeatedly spoken about her devotion to her profession since she graduated in 2011.

It emerged last night a second hospital was helping police with their inquiries. Ms Letby worked at Liverpool Women’s Hospital during her training — and health bosses there are now “co-operating with police” as part of the murder investigation.

A spokeswoman said there was “currently” no suggestion any patient had come to harm during Ms Letby’s placement.

A conviction for eight murders would make Ms Letby Britain’s worst child killer. She is yet to be charged with any offences.

Officers were searching Ms Letby’s three-bedroom unit in Chester, in northwest England, 2.5km from the Countess of Chester Hospital.

A forensic tent has been set up at the flat, and at the home of her parents.

Neighbours of Ms Letby told media they were in disbelief someone who was so “dedicated to her job” could be accused of anything like what had been suggested.

One local told the Chester Chronicle they had known Ms Letby since she was aged three and said “she was lovely, she always has been”.

Ms Letby had just returned home after holidaying at Devon with her parents, according to the newspaper, and locals said she kept to herself and didn’t know too many people in the area.

Ms Letby — who has two cats and is registered as living alone at her home — has “liked” UK TV hospital show One Born Every Minute on Facebook.

She is a member of 14 groups relating to helping sick children, including: “Save special care baby units. They need us. One day u might need them.”

Several mothers wrote online of their horror that their children were cared for by Ms Letby.

One said her daughter was cared for by her “every day for seven weeks”.

Another recognised her instantly as a nurse who was involved in the care of two of her grandchildren.

In an old interview with a local newspaper, Ms Letby told why she loved nursing.

“I qualified as a Children’s Nurse from The University of Chester in 2011 and have been working on the unit since graduating,” she said.

“I also worked on the unit as a student nurse during my three years of training. My role involves caring for a wide range of babies requiring various levels of support.

“Some are here for a few days, others for many months and I enjoy seeing them progress and supporting their families.”

Detectives were called to the hospital when a report revealed an alarmingly high number of deaths at the neonatal unit.

Staff had noticed a “sudden mottling” on the arms, legs and chests of premature or poorly babies who unexpectedly deteriorated and had to be revived, and noted similar things happening with cases of babies who died.

Police have been working on the case for over a year.

In an announcement in the local paper when she graduated in 2011 with an Honours in child nursing, her parents said: “We are so proud of you after all your hard work. Love Mum and Dad.”

Detective Inspector Paul Hughes of Cheshire Police said: “Since the start of our inquiries and, as the information gathering process has continued, the scope of the investigation has now widened.

“We are now currently investigating the deaths of 17 babies and 15 non-fatal collapses between the period of March 2015 and July 2016.

“Parents of all the babies are continuing to be kept fully updated and are being supported throughout the process by specially trained officers.”

andrew.koubaridis@news.com.au