Detectives probing the deaths of three elderly residents at a care home, today released under investigation a 60-year-old woman – after questioning her on suspicion of manslaughter.
Dorset Police quizzed the woman overnight after arresting her following the discovery of the three bodies at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage on Wednesday morning.
The three dead, who have not been named, were two men aged 91 years and 74 and an 86-year-old woman, police revealed.
A further seven elderly residents at the home were taken to hospital after a ‘major incident’ was declared following the call to the emergency services at 7.16am on Wednesday.
Four patients were taken to Poole Hospital, while the other three were transported to Dorset County Hospital.
The suspect was arrested just hours after police had declared the deaths were being treated as ‘unexplained’, with possible carbon monoxide poisoning the ‘primary line of inquiry.’ She was released from custody yesterday pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who tragically died and they are being supported by officers.
“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.”
He said officers were “continuing to gather as much information as possible to give us a full picture of events during the morning of Wednesday 23 October 2024”.
He added: “We know that the residents of Swanage will be feeling the impact of this incident immensely and we would like to thank everyone for the care and respect that has been shown throughout the day.
“Our local neighbourhood policing team will be on hand to provide support – we know this is a difficult time and we are doing all we can to minimise the impact on the community while we conduct enquiries in the area.”
Gainsborough Care Home is run by Agincare and had been caring for 48 residents, all elderly and some with dementia.
Local residents spoke of their shock at developments.
Janet White, 84, a retired magistrate, who lives near the care home, 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.”
Chris Moreton, 75, community response officer for Dorset Council, said the community has responded incredibly following the deaths of three people at a care home in Swanage, Dorset.
Mr Moreton said the council has designated “rest centres” in place for when emergencies happen in the local area.
“We have a number of centres within Swanage that can respond to emergency events,” he said.
As many as 20 ambulances, fire engines and police rushed to the scene of the tragedy after the three lifeless residents were discovered on Wednesday morning.
Witnesses said staff members were seen outside the building hugging each other and crying.
More than 40 vulnerable residents – some with dementia and some in wheelchairs – were evacuated alongside staff and taken to the All Saints Church nearby for shelter.
Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey, of Dorset Police, reassured the public there was no risk to the wider community and thanked the ‘tight-knit community’ for its support.
“We will continue to provide updates in relation to our investigation,” she added, urging the public to ‘refrain from speculation’.
Reverend Jo Levasier said evacuated residents came into All Saints Church on stretchers and in wheelchairs following the incident.
“We have a few beds that have been set up,” she said.
“Quite a few people are confused. I think most of them are OK. The care staff have been amazing, amazing. Lots of people who’ve had time off have just come in.”
“Lots of care staff have been here, so it’s been amazing. I’ve been just trying to facilitate the different organisations working together in the one space, sorting tea and coffee.”
The Swanage community also rallied together to help evacuated care home residents who were taken to the nearby church.
A local bakery, The Italian Bakery, donated several boxes of pastries to comfort the evacuated care home residents.
A previous Care Quality Commission (CQC) report on Gainsborough Care Home said it provides personal and nursing care for up to 48 people aged 65 and over.
Its last inspection was in November 2021, when it was rated good in all areas.