A 60-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of “manslaughter” after three people died at a care home in Swanage, Dorset.
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.
“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.”
He added: “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 inquiries in the area.”
It comes as the Swanage community have rallied together to help evacuated care home residents who have been taken to nearby All Saints Church.
A local bakery, The Italian Bakery donated several boxes of pastries to comfort the evacuated care home residents.
The boss of the care home even had bags of fish and chips from local restaurant Harlees to cheer up helpers and the elderly residents.
The residents of Gainsborough Care Home, who had been sheltering inside All Saint’s Church, are being moved to more suitable accommodation, Revd Jo Levasier has told the PA news agency.
Around 40 people had been sheltering inside the church on Redcliffe Road in Swanage, Dorset, after being evacuated from the care home following a suspected carbon monoxide leak.
Three people were found dead and four were taken to hospital following the incident on Wednesday morning.
People carrying stretchers and wheelchairs have been seen entering the church to move residents to alternative accommodation.