Detectives were today leading a major hospital inquiry after a nurse was arrested on suspicion of killing an elderly patient.

It is understood officers are examining the circumstances surrounding a number of deaths at Airedale General Hospital after bosses raised concerns about the female employee.

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

It is thought the probe - which has seen joint teams of detectives and nursing staff visiting former Airedale patients - is focusing on the suspect's administering of drugs at the site in Steeton near Keighley.

Police have already studied hospital records but cannot access patients' personal details without their consent.

Health chiefs moved quickly to dispel fears among those who have received treatment there, launching a telephone hotline to answer their queries.

And they revealed that a senior member of nursing staff has been assigned to help the police inquiry on a full-time basis.

A police spokesman confirmed that the nurse had been detained, questioned and released on bail while inquiries continue.

She has been suspended by Airedale NHS Trust since her arrest on March 19. It is believed she remains on full pay.

Today, the police and Trust issued a joint statement over the matter.

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

He added: "The woman, who we can confirm is a nurse at Airedale General Hospital, has been released on police bail pending further inquiries." The spokesman said the Coroner had been informed about the 96-year-old's death, which is thought to have occurred around two years ago.

And he said: "We are continuing to work closely with hospital authorities and our inquiries are ongoing."

When asked if any other deaths at the hospital were under investigation, he added: "In any investigation we would always aim to establish whether there are any other related matters.

"As part of our inquiries a number of former patients are being visited by a joint team of police officers and nursing staff."

He stressed these people were not at risk and should not panic.

"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."

Sue Franks, director of nursing at Airedale General Hospital, said: "We referred the matter to the police earlier this year and we have been asked by the police not to comment as it remains subject to further police investigations."

Police are currently running an inquiry at Leeds General Infirmary, where an 86-year-old Calverley woman died under suspicious circumstances. Officers arrested a 26-year-old nurse in January and are examining 18 other deaths at the site.

People with concerns about treatment at Airedale General Hospital can contact the hotline service on (01535) 295505.

Anyone with information

can contact the special

police incident room on

(01535) 617065.