Blackpool hospital worker arrested on suspicion of patient murder and rape

• Report from Granada Reports Correspondent Amy Welch

A healthcare worker is being held by police after he being arrested on suspicion of murder, rape and sexual assault.

It follows a a police investigation at Blackpool Victoria Hospital after the death of 75-year-old Valerie Kneale.

Lancashire Police say the man was in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder, two offences of rape and one offence of sexual assault.

He has been suspended by the NHS trust.

Police first began their investigation in 2018 after receiving allegations of mistreatment and neglect in the stroke unit. Several post morterms were carried out, including that of Valerie Kneale from the town, who was found to have died from a haemorrhage caused by a non-medical-related internal injury. A murder investigation was launched, which brought more allegations of sexual assault against patients and staff.

The force said information related to other allegations of serious sexual assaults against two patients has also been received, as well as the sexual assault of a healthcare professional working on the stroke unit.

The arrest is not linked to a separate ongoing investigation into allegations of poisoning and neglect.

Kevin McGee, the Chief Executive of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We are working closely with Lancashire Police and co-operating fully with them.

"The Trust continues to ensure patients are safe and I would seek to reassure families about the quality of care.

"We will be supporting staff to help them with this extremely distressing news.'' Police are appealing for anyone who has worked on stroke unit or anyone with any information which may help them with their enquiries to come forward.