A WOMAN has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after three residents were found dead in a care home.

Police arrested a woman in her 60s on the evening of October 23 after three people were found dead in Gainsborough Care Home, Swanage.

It was previously reported that seven others were taken to hospital as a precaution while the remaining residents were evacuated to a nearby church.

A huge emergency response filled Ulwell Road including ten ambulances, six fire crews and a hazardous area response team.

The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and detectives are investigating carbon monoxide poisoning as the “primary line of enquiry”.

Officers have said there is nothing to indicate any risk to the wider public.

After completing checks at the site, gas network company SGN have confirmed there has been no gas leak in the network.

A spokesperson for SGN said: “Earlier this evening, we completed our safety checks at the Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage and can confirm there has been no gas leak involving our network.

“We'd like to assure the community that the mains gas network in their local area is sound.

“If anyone smells gas, they should call the National Gas Emergency Number on 0800 111 999.”

Dorset Police have said a significant multi-agency presence will remain in the area, including a police cordon, as investigations continue.

The arrested woman remains in police custody at this time.

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 is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240163072. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.