Ex-leaders of Letby trust arrested

Three former senior leaders of the trust where babies were murdered by Lucy Letby have been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

Cheshire police confirmed the three, who were part of the leadership team at the Countess of Chester Hospital Foundation Trust in 2015 and 2016, were arrested on 30 June.

All three have subsequently been bailed pending further enquiries, the police confirmed in a statement.

Letby was convicted in 2023 of murdering seven babies, and attempting to murder others, in 2015 and 2016, while working in the neonatal unit at the hospital.

Detective superintendent Paul Hughes, senior investigating officer at Cheshire police, said in a statement today: “In October 2023, following the lengthy trial and subsequent conviction of Lucy Letby, Cheshire Constabulary launched an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

“This focuses on senior leadership and their decision making to determine whether any criminality has taken place concerning the response to the increased levels of fatalities.

“In March 2025, the scope of the investigation widened to also include gross negligence manslaughter.

“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.”

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Source: HSJ, 1 July 2025