60-year-old woman arrested after three found dead at Dorset care home in suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

A 60-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after three people were found dead at a care home in Dorset.

Seven more people were taken to hospital, whilst dozens of other residents were evacuated from the Gainsborough care home in Swanage to a nearby church while other spaces in care homes were found for them.

The suspect was arrested just hours after Dorset Police said the deaths were being treated as “unexplained” and possible carbon monoxide poisoning is the “primary line of inquiry”.

Announcing the arrest, 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.

“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.”

Fifteen ambulances, fire crews and police officers rushed to the scene in Ulwell Road in Swanage, Dorset, at 5:20am.

Dorset Police confirmed there was no risk to the wider public.

The care home, run by Agincare, has 48 residents, all elderly and some suffering from dementia.

More to follow…