Dorset Police are investigating carbon monoxide poisoning as the “primary line of inquiry” following the mysterious deaths of three individuals at a care home in Dorset. Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey confirmed that seven others were hospitalised after the incident at Gainsborough Care Home on Ulwell Road today (October 23).
“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.
“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.”
In response to the tragedy, a spokesperson for Gainsborough Care Home revealed that they have provided “extra staffing resources” to support those affected by the incident in Swanage, saying: “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 reports indicated that the residents of Gainsborough Care Home, who had been taking refuge in All Saint’s Church, are being relocated to more appropriate accommodation, as Revd Jo Levasier informed the PA news agency. Approximately 40 individuals had sought shelter in the church on Redcliffe Road in Swanage, after being evacuated from the care home due to a suspected carbon monoxide leak.
People with stretchers and wheelchairs have been spotted entering the church to transport residents to alternative accommodation.