Police investigating the deaths of three people at a care home say they are looking into potential carbon monoxide poisoning as the chief line of inquiry. Emergency services were called to Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage on Wednesday following a report at 7.16am of three deaths.
Dorset Police Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey has now confirmed seven people are in hospital as a result of the incident. However, she said there was “nothing to indicate” danger to the wider community.
She said: “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. 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 major incident was declared following the report to police at 7.16am. Ambulance crews were called to the home two hours earlier, at 5.20am.
More than 40 vulnerable residents and staff were evacuated by ambulances and taken to the All Saints Church nearby for shelter. A Dorset Council spokesperson said on Wednesday afternoon: “Dorset Council is deeply saddened to hear of the deaths at the Gainsborough care home in Swanage.
“We are working with the home’s owners Agincare, emergency services and other partner agencies to support the residents of the care home who have been evacuated. Many of the residents are vulnerable people with significant care needs, and so we are working with them to understand how to meet their needs in the short term and identify their next steps.
“At this time there is nothing to indicate any risk to the wider public. We understand this incident will have a significant impact on the Swanage community and our thoughts are very much with the families of those who have sadly died at this extremely difficult time.”
A spokesperson for Gainsborough Care Home said they have allocated ‘extra staffing resources’ to provide support after an incident at the residence in Swanage. In its last Care Quality Commisson inspection in 2021 the facility rated ‘Good’ across the board.