HEALTH WORKER HELD OVER 8 BABY DEATHS
A FEMALE healthcare worker has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of eight babies and the attempted murder of another six.
The arrest is part of a long-running investigation following a high number of baby deaths at the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Detectives launched an investigation in May last year, initially looking at the deaths of 15 babies between June 2015 and June 2016.
On Tuesday, police said they had made an arrest and the probe had widened. Detectives said they are looking into the deaths of 17 babies and 15 non-fatal collapses between March 2015 and July 2016.
Police have not said if the arrested woman is a nurse, doctor or other health professional.
Detective Inspector Paul Hughes, in charge of the investigation for Cheshire Police, said yesterday: “A dedicated team of detectives have been working tirelessly on this case.
“This is a highly complex and very sensitive investigation and, as you can appreciate, we need to ensure we do everything we possibly can to try to establish in detail what has led to these baby deaths and collapses.
“Due to the nature of the case, we have consulted with a number of medical specialists to ensure that we carry out as thorough an investigation as possible.
Committed
“As a result of our ongoing inquiries, we have today arrested a healthcare professional in connection with the investigation.
“She was arrested earlier this morning on suspicion of murder in relation to eight of the babies and attempted murder in relation to six of the babies and is currently in custody.
“Whilst this is a significant step forward in our inquiries, it is important to remember that the investigation is very much active and ongoing at this stage.
“There are no set timescales for this coming to a conclusion but we remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation as soon as possible.
“Parents of all the babies are continuing to be kept fully updated and are being supported throughout the process by specially trained officers.”