Swanage care home residents who died remembered in service

Three people who died suddenly at a care home have been remembered in a church service.

An 86-year-old woman and two men, aged 74 and 91, were found dead at Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage on Wednesday morning.

A 60-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released while inquiries continue.

During the service at the town’s All Saints Church on Sunday, the Reverend Jo Levasier said it was an “opportunity to pause, to remember people and to pray for those who are still bereaved”.

She said she had received cards in the post from people all over the country “saying they wanted to pass on their love and care to those who are bereaved”.

Dorset Police previously said it was investigating carbon monoxide as a possible cause of the deaths.

Seven people were taken to hospital for precautionary checks after emergency services were called to the home on Ulwell Road at 05:20 GMT on Wednesday.

About 40 residents from the home were transferred, some in wheelchairs, to All Saints Church, before they were sent to temporary accommodation in Dorset, Hampshire and West Sussex.

Speaking to the congregation, many of whom helped at the church Wednesday, Ms Levasier said: “I felt so privileged to be at church with you all.

“Church isn’t just a Sunday thing, it’s being around whenever they’re needed, all week, so it was lovely to be able to see the love and action on Wednesday and people really rose to the challenge.”

Dprset councillor Steve Robinson also spoke at the service and thanked residents for “the profound compassion that people were showing”.

Heather Lightowler, was one of those who volunteered to help on Wednesday.

She said there had been “a lot of hustle and bustle” but that “everyone pulled together and there was a really good community spirit”.