Latest deaths at Swanage care homes: Carbon monoxide poisoning ‘main line of enquiry’, police say | UK news

ours news correspondent Dan Whitehead it is outside Gainsborough’s residence, where there is still a heavy police presence.

Fire crews and gas work investigators are also at the facility.

Three people have died and four others have been taken to hospitals, with investigations underway.

“We understand that these deaths and this incident are related to some form of gas leak or incident that took place perhaps overnight,” says Whitehead.

“That is what the workers here are trying to establish.

“Police say they understand the incident will have a significant impact on the Swanage community.”

He adds that there are a few engineers from the gas company SGN and that there are cordons at both ends of the road.

“A number of nursing home residents were taken to a church about 100 meters down the road. I’ve just been down there and many of those residents are being treated by community staff and ambulance workers,” he says.

What did the police say?

Dorset Police said officers were called to the home shortly after 7.15am and an investigation is underway “to establish all the circumstances”.

“The families of the dead have been informed and the coroner has been notified,” the body said.

“The deaths are being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched.

“At this time there is nothing to indicate any risk to the general public.”

What about the nursing home?

Gainsborough care home said “extra staff resources” had been allocated following the incident.

“The welfare of residents is always our top priority, and part of the local business continuity plan was to move residents in a managed manner to a local council and church, where they remain safe and well,” a spokesman added.

And the gas company SGN?

Katie Lobban, a spokeswoman for the gas distribution company, said they were called to the residence as the National Gas Emergency Service in southern England.

He said engineers were sent to complete safety checks at the building, adding: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.”