A 60-year-old woman is arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after 3 found dead in British care home

Police say a 60-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after three people were found dead in a care home in southern England

ByThe Associated Press
October 23, 2024, 9:05 AM

LONDON -- A 60-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter Wednesday after three people were found dead in a care home in southern England.

The arrest was announced hours after Dorset police said they were investigating whether carbon monoxide poisoning caused the deaths at the Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage.

"We have made one arrest to enable us to establish whether there have been actions or omissions which are grossly negligent,” Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third said.

Seven other people were hospitalized as a precaution after the facility was evacuated. Police said there was no threat to the community.

The Southern Gas Network said its engineers responded to an emergency call at the home to do a safety check in the morning.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident," gas spokesperson Katie Lobban said.

About 40 people from the home were taken to All Saint’s Church for shelter through much of the day and were later moved to a more suitable accommodation, the Rev. Jo Levasier said.