Carbon monoxide poisoning 'primary line of inquiry' in care home deaths probe

Dorset Police has said that carbon monoxide poisoning is the "primary line of inquiry" after three people died under mysterious circumstances at a care home in Dorset. Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey informed the media that seven other people were hospitalised due to the incident at Gainsborough Care Home on Ulwell Road on Wednesday.

However, she reassured that there was "nothing to indicate" any 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 stated.

"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."

A spokesperson for Gainsborough Care Home said they have allocated “extra staffing resources” to provide support after an incident at the residence in Swanage.

They said: “An incident involving the care home took place this morning, and we have been closely working with the lead agencies to manage the welfare of all concerned.

“The wellbeing of residents is always our over-riding priority, and part of the local business continuity plan was to transfer residents in a managed way to a local village hall and church, where they remain safe and well.

“We appreciate that this is a stressful and worrying time for those involved, and have allocated extra staffing resources to provide support locally. We are contacting and updating residents’ families.

“We will continue to work with the lead local authority services to return residents into their home at the earliest opportunity, and will provide further updates in due course.”

Earlier, it was reported that the residents of Gainsborough Care Home, who had been sheltering inside All Saint’s Church, are being moved to more suitable accommodation, Revd Jo Levasier told the PA news agency.

Around 40 people had been sheltering inside the church on Redcliffe Road in Swanage, after being evacuated from the care home following the suspected carbon monoxide leak.

People carrying stretchers and wheelchairs have been seen entering the church to move residents to alternative accommodation.