A WOMAN re-arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and attempted murder of nine at the Countess of Chester Hospital has been bailed.

The healthcare professional was first arrested in July 2018, on suspicion of the murder of eight babies and the attempted murder of six, before being released on bail.

On Monday, June 10, she has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder of three additional babies.

Today, Thursday, she has again been released on bail pending further enquiries.

DI Paul Hughes, leading 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.”

Information can be passed to Operation Hummingbird at operation.hummingbird@chehsire.pnn.police.uk

You can also submit information to the Major Incident Public Portal online here, or anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111