A coroner has formally opened inquests into the deaths of five newborns murdered by Lucy Letby. During a 20-minute hearing at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, proceedings began before being postponed until September.

Darren Reid, an investigator from the coroner’s office, stated that inquests were requested for the infants identified as C, E, I, O, and P. He explained there was "reason to suspect an unnatural death" during their time at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish announced she would pause the five cases until a public inquiry led by Lady Justice Kathryn Thirlwall is completed. Full inquest hearings are currently scheduled for September 14 to 25, with an internal review set for May 5.

Letby, 36, is currently serving 15 whole-life prison terms following her convictions for seven murders and seven attempted murders. She has twice failed in her attempts to overturn these convictions at the Court of Appeal. Since February of last year, the Criminal Cases Review Commission (an independent body that investigates potential miscarriages of justice) has been reviewing her case. Last month, prosecutors announced they would not file any additional charges after examining the case files. Meanwhile, Cheshire Police continue to investigate three former senior executives from the Countess of Chester Hospital.