Three people found dead at Swanage care home - emergency crews at scene

Three people have been found dead at a care home in Dorset, police have said - with emergency services at the scene.

Dorset Police said it was called to the home in Swanage shortly after 7.15am and an investigation is being carried out "to establish the full circumstances" of what happened.

Four people have been taken to hospital "as a precaution" and the property has been evacuated.

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A local councillor described the incident as a "tragic event" and said there was a "suspicion" that "this could be attributable to carbon monoxide but it has not been proven".

A spokesperson for Southern Gas Network confirmed it had been called to Gainsborough Care Home.

"The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched," the police force said.

It continued: "There remains a significant multi-agency presence in place at the address and a cordon remains in place as we work with partners to carry out further enquiries.

"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."

The Gainsborough Care Home, run by Agincare, has 48 residents, all elderly and some with dementia.

All the residents were evacuated to a nearby church hall, with some in wheelchairs.

A spokesperson for the care home said it had sent "extra staffing resources" amid the incident and said the wellbeing of residents was its "over-riding priority".

Cllr Gary Suttle said: "Our condolences and sympathy are with those who have lost their lives in this tragic event."

He thanked locals for coming into the church where people had been evacuated to, bringing blankets in acts of "great community support".

South Western Ambulance Service said it was called to the home in Swanage at 5.20am and sent a hazard response team, ten ambulances, and "a significant number of additional resources".

A spokeswoman for Southern Gas Network said: "We were called to Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage earlier today in our capacity as the national gas emergency service for the south of England.

"Our engineers are waiting for access to the building to complete safety checks.

"Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident."

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Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said it had sent four crews to the scene in Ulwell Road after it was called at 7.47am, with another two crews from the Hampshire and the Isle of Wight services also there.

Group manager Neil Tidball said: "Firefighters are working with Dorset Police, South West Ambulance Service and other partners to resolve this incident."

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