Lucy Letby: Police investigation into hospital widened to include gross negligence manslaughter

Police investigating the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to murder seven others have widened their scope to include gross negligence manslaughter.

An investigation into corporate manslaughter was launched in October 2023 following the trial and conviction of ex-nurse Letby.

But Cheshire Constabulary have now widened their probe to determine whether gross negligence manslaughter took place.

In a statement, Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes said: "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."

Det Supt Hughes added: "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."

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