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A nurse has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies.

Lucy Letby was arrested on suspicion of murdering eight babies and the attempted murder of a further six babies on July 3, last year. She was held as part of a long-running investigation following a high number of baby deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital

Ms Letby - who has not been formally named by police - was released on police bail three days later pending further enquiries, and to date no charges have been brought against her.

Today Cheshre Police have said that the woman had been re-arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies.

She is currently helping police with their enquiries.

(Image: Photo by Anthony Devlin/Getty Images)

The Countess of Chester Hospital had carried out a number of independent expert medical reviews into the deaths before calling in police. Police searches of Ms Letby's home in Westbourne Road in Chester and at her parents property in Hereford were then carried out.

Detective Inspector Paul Hughes, who is in charge of the investigation, said: "In July 2018 a healthcare professional was arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of 8 babies and

the attempted murder of 6 babies at the neonatal unit at The Countess of Chester Hospital. She was subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.

"As part of our ongoing investigation we have today re-arrested the healthcare professional on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies. She has also been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of three additional babies.

"The woman is currently in custody helping officers with their enquiries.

"Cheshire Constabulary launched its investigation two years ago. Since then, a dedicated team of detectives have 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 collapses.

"Due to the nature of this investigation it is extremely challenging but it is important to remember that it is very much active and ongoing – there are no set timescales and we remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation as soon as possible.

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

"Parents of all the babies are continuing to be kept fully updated and are being supported throughout the process by specially trained officers. 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 this stage, we are unable to go into any further details about the investigation but as soon as we can provide any further updates we will do.

"If anyone has any information that they want to pass onto the investigation team they are encouraged to get in touch via the Operation Hummingbird mailbox at operation.hummingbird@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

"Information can also be passed on via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/9901020317C89-PO1 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111."