Four more healthcare professionals have been arrested over allegations of mistreatment and neglect at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Lancashire Police said on Wednesday that a man and three women were in custody after being arrested on suspicion of administering any poison or noxious thing with the intent to injure and ill treatment or wilful neglect.

The allegations relate to the alleged mistreatment and neglect of patients on the stroke unit in November 2018, the force said.

It brings the total number of people arrested over the allegations to seven.

A woman was arrested in November and a man and woman were arrested in December as part of the investigation and were later released pending further enquiries.

All seven of the healthcare professionals were suspended last year following the allegations.

Officers are working closely with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and HM Coroner for Blackpool and Fylde as part of the investigation.

The unit is also at the centre of a separate murder investigation involving Blackpool pensioner Valerie Kneale, 75, who died there on November 16.

A post-mortem examination revealed an “unexplained injury”.

The Trust’s chief executive Wendy Swift said: “We take all allegations of this type extremely seriously.

“The Trust contacted police as soon the allegations were made and we are continuing to work with them and co-operating fully with their investigation.

“We would like to reassure our patients that all necessary actions are being taken.

“The hospital remains a safe and caring environment for patients and the provision of services will continue as usual.”

Detectve Chief Inspector Jill Johnston said: “I understand further arrests could be concerning but I would like to reassure people we have a dedicated team of detectives working on this investigation.

“Our priority and the priority of Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is to ensure the safety of patients.

“Given the number of arrests and the nature of the allegations, it remains a complex and sensitive inquiry.

“No timescales have been set and I would ask people to remain patient while we continue to conduct our enquiries.

“A number of post-mortem examinations have taken place in connection with our investigation and we are supporting those families who have had loved ones identified as potentially being involved. They are being kept fully updated and supported throughout the process by specially trained officers.”

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