A 60-YEAR-OLD woman has been arrested as the investigation into three deaths at a Swanage care home continues.

Detectives are investigating circumstances surrounding the incident, at the Gainsborough Care Home, in Ulwell Road, on Wednesday morning (October 23).

Dorset Police were called to the scene at 7.16am after three residents were found dead at the home, where ambulance crews had been since around 5am.

Crews from the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service were also at the site.

Seven people were taken to hospital as a precaution and the home was evacuated, with residents taken 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, the police have said.

A significant multi-agency presence remains in place – including a police cordon – as officers work alongside partners to carry out their investigations, a Dorset Police spokesperson said.

“Detectives have confirmed that possible carbon monoxide poisoning is the primary line of enquiry,” they added.

“There is nothing to indicate any current risk to the wider public.”

READ MORE: Three people found dead at Swanage care home

Meanwhile, on Wednesday evening, a woman from Swanage was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
She remained in police custody last night.

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 about the incident should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240163072, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.