A healthcare worker has been arrested on suspicion of murdering eight babies.
The woman is also accused of the attempted murder of a further six babies, according to police.
Cheshire Police said the arrest was made following an investigation at the neo-natal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
The woman remains in custody.
The investigation was first launched in May 2017 and initially focused on the deaths of 15 babies between June 2015 and June 2016, detective inspector Paul Hughes said.
Mayor who really speaks for the people writes tw*t on badly-parked car
Detectives are now investigating the deaths of 17 babies and 15 incidents described as non-fatal collapses between March 2015 and July 2016.
Mr Hughes, who is leading the investigation, said: 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.
Advertisement
Advertisement
He added: Due to the nature of the case and, as part of our ongoing enquiries, we have consulted with a number of medical specialists to ensure that we carry out as thorough an investigation as possible. We have also spoken to a large number of people to gather as much information as we can.
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.
Anyone with information should contact Chester Police via the Operation Hummingbird mailbox at [email protected]
Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by calling 101.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
Advertisement
Advertisement
[contf]
[contfnew]
METRO
[contfnewc]
[contfnewc]
