Erin Patterson allegedly served up potentially fatal meals on three other occasions in the years before the mushroom lunch that killed three guests and left a fourth fighting for his life, according to police.

Patterson, 49, was charged late Thursday with three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder over the toxic beef Wellington meal at her home in Leongatha in July.

But in a bombshell revelation, police laid another three attempted murder charges for three separate incidents between 2021 and 2022.

Victoria Police said those charges related to a 48-year-old man from Korumburra which media report is Patterson’s ex-husband Simon.

In a statement, police said the man became ill after consuming meals on three occasions.

“The further three attempted murder charges relate to three separate incidents in Victoria between 2021-2022,” said police.

“It’s alleged a 48-year-old Korumburra man became ill following meals on these dates.

Erin Patterson was arrested and charged on Thursday. Photo: 9News

“The murder charges and two attempted murder charges relate to an incident on 29 July where four people were taken to hospital after they fell ill following a meal at a private residence in Leongatha.”

Patterson is due to face Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning after spending the night in custody.

Police believe the symptoms the four diners experienced were consistent with being poisoned by death cap mushrooms.

Heather Wilkinson, 66, her sister Gail Patterson and brother-in-law Don Patterson, both 70, all died after the meal on July 29.

Wilkinson’s husband Ian, 68, spent close to two months in hospital critically ill and is still in recovery.

Erin Patterson’s two children were at home during the lunch but did not eat the same meal.

Her ex-husband was reportedly invited to dine but did not attend.

The charges came after Patterson was arrested on Thursday morning and her South Gippsland property was searched with technology detection dogs, and several items were seized.

Police cars were seen parked outside Patterson’s home as half a dozen specialist officers and trained dogs inspected her house.

A garage, shed, green bin and car were scrutinised while the canines went in and out of the house.

A police dog sniffs out the property in Leongatha, regional Victoria. Photo: AAP

Victoria Police released a statement on Thursday night saying the investigation had been “incredibly complex, methodical and thorough”.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas also urged against “unnecessary speculation” and sharing “misinformation.”

“Over the last three months, this investigation has been subjected to incredibly intense levels of public scrutiny and curiosity,” Thomas said.

“I cannot think of another investigation that has generated this level of media and public interest, not only here in Victoria but also nationally and internationally.

“I think it is particularly important that we keep in mind that at the heart of this, three people have lost their lives. These are three people who by all accounts were much beloved in their communities and are greatly missed by their loved ones.

“These deaths and incidents also continue to have a significant impact on the immediate families of those involved and I ask that people are particularly mindful of this over the coming days.

“Today’s charges are just the next step in what has been an incredibly complex, methodical and thorough investigation by Homicide Squad detectives.

“I know that people will no doubt have many unanswered questions about this matter, however I urge people to be especially mindful of unnecessary speculation and not sharing misinformation.”

Heather Wilkinson, Gail Patterson and Don Patterson died after a lunch in July.

Patterson has protested her innocence in the past.

In an earlier statement to police obtained by the ABC, Patterson said she made a beef Wellington using button mushrooms from a major supermarket and dried mushrooms bought at an Asian grocery store.

She said she ate a serving and later suffered bad stomach pains and diarrhoea, contrary to the suggestion of detectives that she did not fall ill.

Police have not commented on Patterson’s statement other than to say it was not one taken by officers.

Hundreds of people attended public memorials for Mrs Wilkinson, Mrs Patterson and Mr Patterson, who were remembered for their commitment to their families and tight-knit community in Korumburra.