Staff at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered babies could face prosecution over the deaths as police launch a gross negligence manslaughter investigation.
Cheshire Police announced tonight it had widened the scope of its probe and had notified those who had been identified as suspects.
Detectives would not confirm the number of people under investigation or their roles at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes, Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Hummingbird, said: ‘In October 2023 following the lengthy trial and subsequent conviction of Lucy Letby, Cheshire Constabulary launched an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
‘This focuses on senior leadership and their decision making to determine whether any criminality has taken place concerning the response to the increased levels of fatalities.
‘As our enquiries have continued, the scope of the investigation has now widened to also include gross negligence manslaughter.
‘This is a separate offence to corporate manslaughter and focuses on the grossly negligent action or inaction of individuals. It is important to note that this does not impact on the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple offences of murder and attempted murder.
‘Those identified as suspects have been notified. We will not be confirming the number of people involved or their identity as no arrests or charges have yet been made.
‘Both the corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter elements of the investigation are continuing and there are no set timescales for these.
‘Our investigation into the deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies at the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital between the period of 2012 to 2016 is also ongoing.
‘Our priority is to maintain the integrity of our ongoing investigations and to support the many families who are at the heart of these.
‘There is a significant public interest in the reporting of these matters, however, every story that is published, statement made, or comment posted online that refers to the specific details of a live investigation can impede the course of justice and cause further distress to the families concerned.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
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