Female healthcare worker is arrested on suspicion of murdering EIGHT babies

A female healthcare worker has been arrested on suspicion of murdering eight babies and attempting to murder six others at a Cheshire hospital.

Detectives are investigating the deaths of 17 youngsters at the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015 and 2016, and 15 other 'non-fatal' cases.

Police today confirmed they had arrested a woman who they described only as 'a healthcare professional' this morning. They have not said whether the woman is a nurse, doctor or worked in another role.

She is being questioned of suspicion of having murdered eight of the children and attempting to murder six others.



Detective Inspector Paul Hughes, who is in charge of the investigation, described the arrest as a 'significant step forward'.

He revealed the scope of the probe had been widened since police took up the case and they are now examining the care of 32 babies, 17 of whom had died.

DI Hughes said: 'When the investigation was first launched it was focusing on the deaths of 15 babies that occurred between the period of June 2015 and June 2016. 

'In addition the investigation was also conducting a review of six non-fatal collapses during the same period.

'Since the start of our enquiries 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.'

He described the case as 'highly complex and very sensitive', adding: 'We recognise that this investigation has a huge impact on all of the families, 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.' 

Police say the investigation is still ongoing and urged anyone with any information to contact Operation Hummingbird detectives, or go through Crimestoppers. 






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