Woman arrested in UK after care home deaths

Detectives investigating the deaths of three people at a care home in Dorset in the UK have arrested a 60-year-old woman on suspicion of manslaughter.

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 inquiries in the area."

'Nothing to indicate' danger to wider community

Earlier, Dorset Police Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey said seven people were in hospital as a result of the incident at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage.

However, she said 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.

Ms Dixey said that 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".

She confirmed that "potential carbon monoxide poisoning" is the primary line of inquiry following earlier inquiries.

"But I would stress that there is nothing to indicate that there is currently any risk to the wider public," she said.

"Swanage is a very close-knit community and I know these very sad deaths will have significant impact on everyone here," she added.

Katie Lobban, a spokesperson for SGN, a gas distribution company, said they were called to the care home in Swanage earlier as the national gas emergency service for the south of England.