The pair were working in the hospital’s risk and patient safety department at the time and Ms Griffiths said she was friends with Letby, “a lot of us”.

Ms Griffiths said she had been aware of concerns about babies’ deaths, unexpected collapses and a link to Letby since September 2016.

Shahram Sharghy, who represents some of the families of Letby’s victims, asked whether he had “lightened” the “most serious” accusations; Ms Griffiths denied this.

Mr Sharghy said: “Can you start to imagine the families of the babies who have been harmed and put yourself in their shoes when they see these messages?”

Ms Griffiths said: “I know… I’m very sorry.”

Earlier the witness, investigating solicitor Rachel Langdale, told the KC: “I truly and deeply regret initiating this protection… it is completely unprofessional, a poor decision on my part and completely insensitive.

“And for that I can only apologize from the bottom of my heart.”

The inquest was also shown a letter sent by Letby’s parents (John and Susan Letby) to trust administrators following the outcome of a complaint lodged by Letby about his removal from the neonatal unit.