Woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after Swanage care home deaths

Dorset Police said they received a report at 7.16am on Wednesday regarding three residents who were found dead at the Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road.

Seven people were taken to hospital as a precaution and other residents of the address were evacuated to a location where they can receive appropriate care.

Police said the deaths are “currently being treated as unexplained”, adding that detectives have confirmed “possible carbon monoxide poisoning is the primary line of inquiry”.

Dorset Police said a 60-year-old local woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter on Wednesday evening and remains in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the major crime investigation team, said: “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.”

Earlier on Wednesday, 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.”

She said the remaining residents have been taken to a location where they can receive appropriate care.

“They are being supported by Dorset Council and the health service,” she added.

Katie Lobban, a spokeswoman for gas distribution company SGN, said crews were called to the care home earlier on Wednesday as the 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 saw residents being taken out of the building.

One man, who did not want to give his name, told the PA news agency: “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.

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, 53, who lives in Ulwell Road, told PA: “I knew something was happening as we started hearing sirens non-stop from around 8, 8.30am.

“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.”