Woman released without charge after three found dead in care home

A woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after three elderly care home residents died in Swanage has been released without charge.

The 60-year-old, who has not been named, was previously released under investigation.

Now a decision has been made not to charge her in connection with the deaths of two men, aged 74 and 91, and an 86-year-old woman at Gainsborough Care Home on October 23.

Their deaths are still being treated as unexplained, according to police who previously said their ‘primary line of enquiry’ was carbon monoxide poisoning.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third said: ‘The deceased and their loved ones remain at the forefront of our minds throughout our investigation.

‘Over recent weeks we have been continuing to gather as much information as we can, working with HM Coroner, to establish a cause of death.

‘To enable us to take a full account and recover any available evidence, while providing legal protection to the person, we made an arrest as part of our enquiries.

‘The arrest was also made to establish where there were any actions or omissions by that individual that were believed to be grossly negligent and we have now reached a position where we do not believe that to be the case.

‘Our investigation is very much still ongoing and we are awaiting results from detailed forensic submissions and analysis to assist us in establishing the causes of the deaths, which may take several months.

‘The families of the residents who sadly died are being kept informed with any updates in the investigation.’

Seven other people were taken to hospital from the 48-bedroom Dorset care home ‘as a precaution’.

Others were evacuated to a nearby church, with some of them moved in wheelchairs.

A spokesperson for Gainsborough Care Home said: ‘We are deeply saddened that three residents living at our care home passed away yesterday. Our heartfelt condolences remain with their families and friends at this upsetting and difficult time.

‘We are fully co-operating with lead agencies as the investigation into what has happened continues. Our priority has been to work with Dorset Council and BCP Council to safely move residents to other care homes until we are advised that they can return to the home.

‘We are ensuring that those directly concerned are supported and kept up-to-date with the changing circumstances, with the necessary information and reassurance provided.

‘We would like to extend our thanks to our care teams for their work in managing the situation and caring for residents during such a challenging time. We are also grateful for the kind messages received and the practical support provided from partner public sector agencies, the local community and other social care providers.

‘The home has long been a core part of the Swanage community, and our residents, families and team members are all affected by this tragic incident and are touched by the support received.’

Local residents reported hearing sirens for hours as fire engines, ambulances and police cars flooded the surrounding streets.

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