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Gross negligence manslaughter arrests following Lucy Letby baby deaths
A grab from PA video of the Countess of Chester Hospital

THREE former senior staff members at the hospital where Lucy Letby worked have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

Cheshire Constabulary said the suspects held leadership roles at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016 and were arrested on Monday.

All three have been bailed pending further inquiries.

Ms Letby is serving 15 whole-life sentences for murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016.

Police said investigations into both corporate and gross negligence manslaughter are ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes said the probe focuses on whether senior leadership decision-making contributed to increased baby fatalities.

The investigation widened in March to include gross negligence by individuals.

The hospital said it could not comment due to the Thirlwall inquiry into the deaths and ongoing investigations.

Ms Letby’s barrister, Mark McDonald, criticised the timing of the police update and called for a “proper and full public inquiry” into failings at the hospital.

Police continue to review deaths and non-fatal baby collapses at Chester Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital during Letby’s employment.

Ms Letby has lost two appeals. The Thirlwall inquiry’s findings are expected in early 2026.

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