19 godzin temu
Three people who were part of the senior leadership team at the hospital where killer nurse Lucy Letby worked have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter. The suspects occupied senior positions at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016, during the period when Letby carried out her crimes.
Cheshire Constabulary confirmed the arrests took place on Monday. All three suspects have since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Investigation scope expanded
The arrests represent a significant development in the ongoing probe into the hospital where Letby worked. Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes revealed that the investigation's scope had expanded in March 2025 to include gross negligence manslaughter charges.
This marks a separate line of inquiry from the corporate manslaughter investigation launched in October 2023. The gross negligence manslaughter probe focuses specifically on the "grossly negligent action or inaction of individuals" rather than institutional failings.
Letby convictions remain unaffected
The 35-year-old nurse from Hereford is currently serving 15 whole-life orders for her crimes against babies on the neonatal unit. Letby was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others, with two attempts on one of her victims.
Her crimes took place between June 2015 and June 2016 whilst she worked at the hospital. Police emphasised that the new arrests "do not impact on the convictions of Lucy Letby for multiple offences of murder and attempted murder".
Senior leadership under scrutiny
Hughes explained that the investigation 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". The probe examines how hospital bosses responded to rising death rates on the neonatal ward.
Both corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter investigations remain active. The force confirmed that further inquiries are continuing as part of the broader investigation into the case.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
