Detectives investigating the full circumstances surrounding the deaths of three residents at a care home in Swanage have made an arrest.
Dorset Police received a report at 7.16am on Wednesday 23 October 2024 regarding three residents who had been found deceased at the Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road.
Officers attended the care home, alongside colleagues from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and South Western Ambulance Service.
Seven people have been taken to hospital as a precaution and other residents of the address were evacuated to a location where they can receive appropriate care. They are being supported by Dorset Council and the health service.
The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained. A significant multi-agency presence will remain in the area – including a police cordon – as officers work alongside partners to carry out their investigations.
Detectives have confirmed that possible carbon monoxide poisoning is the primary line of enquiry. There is nothing to indicate any current risk to the wider public.
Earlier this evening, a 60-year-old local woman, believed to be a senior member of the staff, was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. She remains in police custody at this time.
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.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240163072. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
Update:
Detectives are issuing an update on the investigation into the death of three residents at a care home in Swanage.
Dorset Police received a report at 7.16am on Wednesday 23 October 2024 regarding three residents who had been found deceased at the Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road.
The deaths of the three residents – two men aged 74 and 91 and an 86-year-old woman – are being treated as unexplained. Their families are being updated with any developments as the investigation progresses.
Seven people were taken to hospital as a precaution and are not in a serious condition. Other residents of the care home were evacuated to a location where they can receive appropriate care and are continuing to be supported by Dorset Council and the health service.
Detectives are still exploring possible carbon monoxide poisoning as the primary line of enquiry and there is no wider risk to the community.
A 60-year-old local woman who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter has been released under investigation while enquiries continue. The arrest was made to enable us to establish whether there were any actions or omissions that are believed to be grossly negligent, and enquiries will continue into this.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The thoughts of the investigation team and wider force remain with the loved ones of those who tragically died.
“We are continuing to gather as much information as possible to give us a full picture of events during the morning of Wednesday 23 October 2024. This involves liaising with experts from partner agencies to understand the circumstances and this work will take some time to be carried out.
“Members of the public can expect to see a large multi-agency presence continue in the area over the coming days to enable us to conduct detailed enquiries. Our local officers will remain in the area to provide support.
“This tragic incident will have a significant impact on the community in Swanage. The care, compassion and respect that has been shown so far is commendable and we hope this continues over the coming days as our investigation progresses.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240163072. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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