Detectives investigating the deaths of three people at a care home in Swanage have arrested a 60-year-old woman on suspicion of manslaughter, police have confirmed.
Dorset Police said before the arrest that they were pursuing potential carbon monoxide poisoning as their “primary line of inquiry”.
Dorset Police Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey told the press earlier that seven people were also in hospital as a result of the incident at Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road on Wednesday (October 23)..
However, she said there was “nothing to indicate” danger to the wider community.
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.
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“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.
“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.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Katie Lobban, a spokeswoman for gas distribution company SGN, said they were called to the Gainsborough Care Home earlier on Wednesday as the national gas emergency service for the south of England.
She said engineers were sent to complete safety checks in the building, adding: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident.”
People living near the scene in Ulwell Road saw residents being taken out of the building.
One man, who did not want to give his name, told the PA news agency: “They evacuated the care home, Gainsborough Care Home.
“They have taken all the patients out but the emergency services are still on the scene.”
He said he saw some residents being taken out in wheelchairs.
(Image: Getty Images)
He estimated there were two fire engines, three to four police cars and around eight or nine ambulances at the scene, where the road remains closed.
Patricia Garnel, who lives in Ulwell Road, said she started hearing sirens “non-stop” from around 8am.
“I knew something was happening as we started hearing sirens non-stop from around 8, 8.30am,” the 53-year-old told PA.
“As I was driving to the ferry the road was closed. I made it around, got to the ferry and police, ambulances and fire brigades were crossing from Poole to Swanage. It was a huge apparatus. One I’ve never seen.”
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