Italian police have arrested a nurse suspected of killing up to 38 patients because she found them or their relatives annoying.

Daniela Poggiali, 42, was arrested in Lugo, in northern Italy after the unexpected death of an elderly patient admitted with a routine illness, the Central European News has reported.

Daniela Poggiali

Rosa Calderoni, 78, died after an injection of potassium, prompting a police investigation which implicated Ms Poggiali in 38 other mysterious deaths.

Chief prosecutor Alessandro Mancini told a press conference reported by Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera that police had found a disturbing selfie on Poggiali's phone showing her giving a thumbs-up in front of a recently deceased patient.

He added Poggiali was "unperturbed" when she was arrested a few days ago.

Poggiali's co-workers have spoken out about her behaviour with one saying they suspected her of giving strong laxatives to patients to embarrass the colleagues working after her.

Another nurse described her as a "cold person but always eager to work".



