IT has been revealed that a nurse at Airedale General Hospital has been arrested on suspicion of killing an elderly patient.

Police said the nurse, who has not been named, had been arrested over the suspected manslaughter of a 96-year-old female patient and the unlawful supply of controlled drugs.

Detectives have confirmed they are examining the circumstances surrounding a number of other deaths at the Steeton hospital, which treats patients from the Ilkley area.

Police have already studied hospital records but cannot access patients' personal details without their consent or that of the next of kin.

So joint teams of detectives and nursing staff have been visiting former Airedale patients and relatives to seek permission to inspect records.

The investigation is focusing on the suspect's administration of drugs at the hospital, but health chiefs have been quick to play down fears among those who have been treated there, and have set up a telephone hotline to answer queries.

A police spokesman has confirmed that the nurse had been detained, questioned and released on bail while inquiries continued. The nurse has been suspended by Airedale NHS Trust since her arrest back on March 19.

A joint statement from the police and trust said: "We can confirm that the death of a patient was referred to police by the Airedale NHS Trust and we are investigating.

"The woman, who we can confirm is a nurse at Airedale General Hospital, has been released on police bail pending further inquiries."

The spokesman added that the coroner had now been informed about the 96-year-old's death, which is believed to have happened two years ago.

And he stressed that former patients should not panic as they were not at risk. He said: "Airedale NHS Trust is providing all available facilities to deal with questions and concerns of any former patients or their families, and have set up a helpline."

Anybody with concerns can contact the hospital's new, dedicated line on (01535) 295505. Anyone with information can contact the police on (01535) 617065.

Airedale Community Health Council's chief officer, John Godward, said he was 'devastated' by the news.

"I offer our deepest sympathies to the relatives of the patients concerned," he said. "I also offer our sympathy to the Airedale NHS Trust and all staff who have the responsibility of caring for patients.

"It is inevitable that the reputation of this three-star NHS Trust hospital will be overshadowed by these events."