A GAS leak did not cause the deaths of three elderly care home residents, says SGN, as police investigate carbon monoxide poisoning.  

Three residents were found dead at Gainsborough Care Home, Swanage, with another seven people taken to hospital.

A huge multi-agency response attended the incident in Ulwell Road on October 23 as the remaining residents were evacuated from the care home to a nearby church.

In an update Dorset Police said the deaths are being treated as unexplained and that carbon monoxide poisoning is being investigated as the “primary line of enquiry”.

However, gas network company, SGN, have confirmed that there have been no gas leaks in the area following checks.

A SGN spokesperson 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.”

A woman aged in her 60s has also been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in relation to the incident.

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.