Lucy Letby: Nurse accused of murdering eight babies appears in dock for first time

Letby allegedly murdered five boys and three girls while working at the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital

Nurse Lucy Letby was arrested for the third time earlier this week (Chester Standard/SWNS)

A nurse accused murdering of eight babies in the space of a year has appeared in the dock of a courtroom for the first time.

Lucy Letby, 30, has been charged with the murder of five boys and three girls while working at the neonatal unit of the Countess of Chester Hospital.

She is also accused of the attempted murder of five baby boys and five baby girls, all between June 2015 and June 1016.

Ms Letby appeared in person in the dock at Chester Crown Court on Friday.

Wearing grey jogging bottoms and a grey sweatshirt, she spoke only to confirm her name.

A bail application is expected to be made on her behalf.

Ms Letby appeared via video link at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Thursday. The names of the alleged victims cannot be reported for legal reasons.

Letby was arrested for a third time on Tuesday as part of an investigation into the deaths which began in 2017, and charged on Wednesday.

A police van believed to contain Letby arrives at Chester Crown Court (AFP via Getty Images)

Chester Police said parents of all the babies involved were being kept fully updated on developments and were supported by officers.

Additional reporting by PA