Detectives from the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch investigating the allegations of ill-treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey hospital have arrested a 58 year old female this morning, Thursday, May 6, in the Antrim area.

She is the second woman to be arrested this week over the probe.

A 52-year-old woman arrested this week was released pending a report to the PPS.

Seven people have been informed they are to be prosecuted by the Public Prosecution Service for a range of offences, including ill-treatment and wilful neglect contrary to the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, in connection with the alleged ill-treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey Hospital.

They have yet to appear in court.