A 60-year-old woman has been arrested after three people died in a care home. (Image: Getty)
A 60-year-old woman has been arrested following the deaths of three people at a care home in Swanage after a suspected gas leak.
The unnamed woman faces manslaughter charges after police received a report of three deceased Gainsborough Care Home residents on Wednesday morning.
A total of seven people were hospitalised and all the other residents were evacuated to a nearby church hall while officers inspected the building.
Emergency services remained at the care home all day as they investigated the cause of the deaths, which may be carbon monoxide poisoning.
Dorset Police said the deaths are being treated as “unexplained” but an investigation into possible poisoning “is the primary line of enquiry”.
As locals are left reeling following the tragic event, here’s everything we know so far.
Did you know the victims and would like to pay tribute? If so, email rebecca.robinson@reachplc.com
READ MORE: Woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after three die at Swanage care home
There is a probe into whether the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. (Image: Getty)
Timeline of events
At 7.16am on Wednesday, October 23, Dorset Police received a report that three residents of Gainsborough Care Home had been found deceased.
Gainsborough Care Home is run by Agincare and has been caring for 48 residents, all elderly and some with dementia.
Dorset Police, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service, all responded to the deaths. Police cordoned off the area.
Once they arrived at the scene on Ulwell Road in Swanage, emergency services evacuated the building and hospitalised seven people as a precaution. About 40 residents were sent to All Saints Church while the care home was inspected.
The police notified the families of the deceased and the coroner as the investigation into the “unexplained” deaths remains ongoing.
On Wednesday evening, Dorset Police announced the arrest of a 60-year-old woman on manslaughter charges.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third of the Major Crime Investigation Team said the arrest was made to determine whether any grossly negligent “actions or omissions” as they investigate the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The surviving residents are being supported by Dorset Council and the health service so they can receive appropriate care.
Police were alerted of the deaths at around 7am on Wednesday. (Image: Getty)
The ongoing investigation into the deaths
While the deaths are currently “unexplained”, there is also a probe into possible carbon monoxide poisoning involving a “significant multi-agency presence”.
Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey said: “The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and we are continuing to liaise with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of what has happened.
“A significant multi-agency presence will remain in the area – including a police cordon – as we work with our partners to carry out an investigation.
“Following early enquiries, I can confirm that potential carbon monoxide poisoning is our primary line of enquiry, but I would stress that there is nothing to indicate that there is currently any risk to the wider public.”
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “As part of our investigation, we have made one arrest to enable us to establish whether there have been actions or omissions which are grossly negligent and gather as much information as we can about what has happened.
“It is important to note that the arrest process also provides certain legal protection to individuals and I would ask for the media and public to avoid speculating any further now that legal proceedings are active.”
The deaths prompted a response from multiple emergency services. (Image: Getty)
Chris Moreton, a 75-year-old community response officer for Dorset Council, said there has been an incredible community response following the three deaths.
Moreton said the council has designated “rest centres” in place for when emergencies happen in the local area. He said: “We have a number of centres within Swanage that can respond to emergency events.”
He said that All Saints Church, which hosted a number of evacuated residents from Gainsborough Care Home on Wednesday, is one of those centres.
Janet White, an 84-year-old retired magistrate who lives nearby the care home, said the case has been “shocking” and “difficult to comprehend”.
She said: “It is all very shocking and the fact that someone may be responsible in any way is difficult to comprehend. It’s been very upsetting for people around here. The care home has links throughout the community.
“In my own case, my husband was cared for at home by Agincare and I have nothing but praise for them. Something like this, when it happens where you live, is devastating for everyone.”
