Detectives have detained a suspect on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection with the investigation into convicted killer nurse Lucy Letby. Cheshire Constabulary confirmed that a search warrant was executed at a property on Wednesday, 22 April, leading to the arrest of an individual who has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Background of the Case
Lucy Letby, 35, from Hereford, is currently serving 15 whole-life orders following her conviction at Manchester Crown Court. She was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016 while working as a nurse on the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester Hospital. The infants were attacked through various methods, including injecting air into their bloodstream and administering lethal doses of insulin.
Operation Duet Investigation
The arrest is part of Operation Duet, the ongoing investigation into corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital. In a statement released on Thursday, police confirmed that the search warrant was executed in connection with this operation. The statement read: 'On Wednesday 22nd April officers from Cheshire Constabulary executed a search warrant at a property in connection with Operation Duet. Operation Duet is the ongoing investigation into corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital.'
The individual was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and has been bailed pending further enquiries. The searches at the property have now concluded. Police added: 'Both the corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter elements of the investigation are continuing and there are no set timescales for these.'
This development marks a significant step in the broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding Letby's crimes and the hospital's response. Authorities continue to examine potential failings that may have allowed the attacks to occur over an extended period.
