Cops give update on carbon monoxide probe after ‘unexplained’ deaths of two men, 74 & 91, and woman, 86, at care home

DETECTIVES have issued an update after three people died at a care home yesterday.

Dorset Police investigators are exploring the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning at the Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road, Swanage.

They were called to the home at 7.16am on Wednesday.

The deaths of the three residents – two men aged 74 and 91 and an 86-year-old woman – are being treated as unexplained.

A 60-year-old local woman, who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

The families of those who died 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, police have also said.

Other residents of the care home were evacuated to a church hall 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, the force has confirmed today.

Gas distribution company SGN – which said it owns and operates all of the pipes underground and up until the gas meter – said it completed safety checks and there has been no gas leak involving its network.

The arrest was made to enable the force to establish whether there were any actions or omissions that are believed to be grossly negligent, and inquiries will continue into this, police added.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the major crime investigation team, said residents can expect to see a large multi-agency presence in Swanage over the coming days.

He 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 October 23 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.”

‘MOVING ALONG QUICKLY’

Revd Jo Levasier, of All Saints Church, said she is glad the police investigation is “moving along quickly” as “we want to get the home open as quickly as possible”.

“One of the bereaved families were at the church yesterday, they’re local to the area in Swanage.

“At this point, we’re finding out if people want additional support and then we’ll give them what they need.

“We’ve cancelled our weekly coffee morning because we weren’t sure if the church was safe as it still has a lot of equipment in there from yesterday.

“It is a lovely care home having been there yesterday I would be happy to have been looked after by the staff, they were exemplary.”

A police cordon remains outside the home this morning, with police tape on the hedges and officers standing outside.

Janet White, 84, a retired magistrate who lives near the care home, said the incident was “devastating”.

She 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.”

Gainsborough Care Home is run by Agincare and had been caring for 48 residents, all elderly and some with dementia.

“Something like this, when it happens where you live, is devastating for everyone,” Ms White added.

Have you been affected by this incident? Email ryan.merrifield@thesun.co.uk

Maggie O’Neill, who lives nearby, volunteered to help at All Saints Church in Swanage after discovering care home residents had been evacuated there.

She said she later found out she knew one of the people taken to hospital following the incident.

“I knew someone that was taken to hospital, but I know nothing,” she said.

“She’s okay now, she has dementia. I think her family were able to go: they’re very supportive.”

The 76-year-old said she was one of the first people at the church after the evacuation.

“I was told by our dog walker people were being wheeled down so I quickly put my clothes on and went to help. I talked to the residents and served them tea,” she said.

“The atmosphere was tense.

“A few family members turned up, but there were a lot of volunteers, at least 20.”

Chris Moreton, 75, community response officer for Dorset Council, said the community has responded incredibly following the deaths.

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.

Yesterday, Dorset Police Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey told the press there was “nothing to indicate” danger to the wider community.

“The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained, and we are continuing to liaise with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of what has happened,” she said.

“A significant multi-agency presence will remain in the area, including a police cordon, as we work with our partners to carry out an investigation.

“Following earlier inquiries, I can confirm that potential carbon monoxide poisoning is our primary line of inquiry, but I would stress that there is nothing to indicate that there is currently any risk to the wider public.

“Swanage is a very close-knit community and I know these very sad deaths will have significant impact on everyone here.”