AN investigation is under way into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

Cheshire Police have confirmed the news, which follows the trial and conviction of former CoCH neonatal nurse nurse Lucy Letby, who was sentenced to a whole-life order for the murder of seven babies and the attempted murder of six more.

In the aftermath of her conviction, the Government announced it was to set up a statutory inquiry into the case.

Now police have said they will look at senior leadership at the hospital during June 2015-June 2016.

Detective Superintendent Simon Blackwell, strategic lead for Operation Hummingbird – the operation investigating fatal and non-fatal collapses at the Countess of Chester Hospital – said: “Following the lengthy trial, subsequent conviction of Lucy Letby and an assessment by senior investigative officers, I can confirm that Cheshire Constabulary is carrying out an investigation into corporate manslaughter at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

“The investigation will focus on the indictment period of the charges for Lucy Letby, from June 2015 to June 2016, and consider areas including senior leadership and decision making to determine whether any criminality has taken place. At this stage we are not investigating any individuals in relation to gross negligence manslaughter.

“The investigation is in the very early stages and we are unable to go into any further details or answer specific questions at this time.

"We recognise that this investigation will have a significant impact on a number of different stakeholders including the families in this case and we are continuing to work alongside and support them during this process.

“You will be notified of any further updates in due course.”