A hospital worker at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, already on bail for the murder of a stroke patient and three sexual assaults, has been questioned under caution over the alleged rape of two more patients and sexual assaults on seven staff members.
The suspended employee was voluntarily interviewed by Lancashire Police yesterday regarding the additional allegations. He was originally arrested in March on suspicion of murdering Valerie Kneale, 75, and sexually assaulting two other patients and a healthcare professional.
Valerie Kneale died on November 16, 2018, from a haemorrhage caused by a vaginal laceration, which a pathologist believed resulted from a sexual assault while she was in hospital. An inquest into her death was adjourned to allow police to continue their investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Jill Johnston said: 'A man has been arrested and bailed in connection with a number of serious offences. We understand this will cause some significant concern in the community but please be reassured we have a dedicated team of officers conducting a number of enquiries.'
The worker is now being investigated over 13 potential crimes involving the same number of victims connected to the hospital. The investigation began after allegations of mistreatment and neglect on the stroke unit were reported in November 2018.
