Cheshire police bail healthcare professional pending further enquiries into Countess neonatal unit

Police have issued an update regarding a woman arrested as part of investigation into the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital

On Monday a healthcare professional was re-arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies.

She was also arrested in connection with the attempted murder of three additional babies.

Cheshire Constabulary can now confirm that the woman has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Paul Hughes, who is in charge of the investigation, said: “I would like to remind people that due to the nature of this investigation it is extremely challenging and remains very much active and ongoing. There are no set timescales for this and we would ask people to bear with us whilst we continue with our enquiries.

“We remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation as soon as possible and I want to reassure people that we are doing everything we can, as quickly as we can, to identify what has led to these baby deaths and collapses.

“We fully appreciate that it continues to have a big impact on all of the families involved and staff and patients at the hospital, as well as members of the public. All of the babies’ parents have been 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 families seeking answers as to what happened to their children. I would like to remind the media to respect the privacy of the families involved.”

If anyone has any information that they want to pass onto the investigation team they are encouraged to get in touch via the Operation Hummingbird mailbox at operation.hummingbird@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.

Information can also be passed on via the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/9901020317C89-PO1 or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.