THE MP for Chester has called on the government to hold a full, independent and public inquiry into the circumstances in which Lucy Letby's crimes were perpetrated.

Samantha Dixon issued a statement shortly after the verdicts were announced in the long-running trial against the former Countess of Chester Hospital nurse.

In a statement she said: "The families that have endured this unimaginable suffering deserve to know exactly what happened, and those who use our NHS services need the reassurance that it can never happen again. 

"That’s why, today, I have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, asking for a full, independent and public inquiry into this case.  

"Too many people now live with the consequences of the catastrophic harm caused by Letby.  

"An attempt on a child’s life is one of the most depraved acts a person can commit. And the death of a child is the hardest burden to bear.  

"To know such actions were caused deliberately is truly terrible.  

"For the families at the heart of this, I feel intense sadness and stand beside them in their grief and sorrow.  

"I pay tribute to Cheshire Police who have investigated this highly complex case over the past six years.

"I know they have supported the families and those who have given evidence, throughout.  

"Following today’s verdict, the time is right to seek the reassurance that no one could ever again perpetrate crimes as hideous as these.  

"The families whose children were killed and harmed, the community I represent and families across the country need to know their children are protected and safe.  

"The Government should now institute a full, independent and public inquiry into the circumstances in which these crimes were perpetrated."