A woman has been released under investigation after being arrested following the deaths of three residents at Gainsborough Care Home, located on Ulwell Road in Swanage, Dorset. The tragic incident occurred on the morning of October 23, 2024, when emergency services were alerted to the scene at approximately 5:20 AM. The three individuals who perished included two elderly men aged 74 and 91, as well as an 86-year-old woman. The investigation is being led by Dorset Police, with carbon monoxide poisoning highlighted as the primary line of inquiry.
Upon their arrival, responders discovered the three deceased residents, prompting authorities to act quickly. Seven other residents were taken to local hospitals for precautionary measures, with reports indicating they were not seriously injured. Witnesses at the care home reported seeing multiple emergency vehicles arriving, including police cars and ambulances, which painted a distressing picture of the event.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, who heads the Major Crime Investigation Team, stated, "The deaths are currently treated as unexplained, and our investigation has identified potential carbon monoxide poisoning as the leading cause. This incident is bound to have a significant effect on the local community, and we will continue to work closely with partner agencies to understand the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths."
The arrested 60-year-old woman was under suspicion of manslaughter, and her detention was intended to determine if there were any actions or omissions on her part considered grossly negligent. After being questioned, she was later released, but the investigation remains active as police continue to gather evidence.
The care home began cooperating with the authorities immediately. A spokesperson for Gainsborough Care Home, operated by Agincare, expressed their sorrow over the incident, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the deaths, and our focus has been on ensuring the wellbeing of our residents and their families during this distressing time. We are working closely with the local authorities to manage the situation and provide support to those affected." Among their immediate actions, the care home helped transfer residents to nearby facilities, including All Saints Church, to keep them safe and comfortable.
Residents were documented as saying they felt shocked and devastated by the occurrence, and local officials echoed the sentiment. The town's Deputy Mayor, Chris Moreton, remarked, “This is devastating news for the families, the staff, and the entire community. Care home staff are traumatized; we must rally around to support them as well." Community support poured out as volunteers and local businesses came forward to assist the temporary shelter at the church, offering refreshments and help to those displaced by the incident.
Local resident Maggie O’Neill, who volunteered at the church during the evacuations, noted the atmosphere was tense but filled with compassion. "I witnessed many residents arriving wrapped up and distressed. We quickly offered them warm drinks and snacks—it was heartbreaking to see people so shaken," she recalled. “Our community has come together beautifully to support one another during this tragedy.”
The care home industry, particularly within Swanage, has been shaken to its core. Reports indicate Gainsborough Care Home had been rated as requiring improvement based on previous inspections by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) but had received updates proclaiming their safety and management were deemed adequate during review inspections carried out up until 2021. The concerns previously raised included safety protocols associated with unsecured furniture, but locals had reiterated their confidence in the home's caring nature; many highlighted their experiences of feeling safe within the facility.
Following the incident, Dorset Police stated, "We are committed to keeping the community informed and safe, and we encourage anyone with additional information to come forward." Current investigations have left families and community members seeking answers as they await details from the police. South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton expressed his condolences to the families, emphasizing the tight-knit nature of the community, saying, "This is devastating for everyone involved, and we must come together as we strive to understand what led to this horrific event."
Friends, families, and residents of Swanage have united to offer their prayers and support to those who lost loved ones. Local leaders, including the mayor and the vicar of All Saints Church, have pledged their commitment to provide both emotional and practical support as investigations continue. "We are here for all affected, and we are deeply saddened by the loss experienced right here within our community," stated Rev. Jo Levasier.
The heartbreaking nature of the incident serves as both somber news for the families involved, who are struggling with the loss of loved ones, and as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly and care home residents. This tragic situation urges enhanced scrutiny and safety measures surrounding care homes, ensuring residents remain protected under professional guidance and loaded with empathy.
