Covid-19: Third death in care home under police investigation

There has been an outbreak at Holmesley Care Home in Sidmouth, Devon

A third person has died at a care home where a "complex" police investigation is under way into an outbreak of coronavirus.

The Holmesley Care Home in Sidmouth, Devon, has had a "high number of positive cases".

Ch Supt Dan Evans said officers are trying to "progress the investigation as quickly as possible" while maintaining the safety of all involved.

Welford Healthcare, which owns the care home, said it was "devastated".

Police are currently awaiting post-mortem results on one of the deceased people, while investigations concerning the other two deceased continue.

The North East and West Devon commander said the police "are doing everything possible to help the bereaved families".

Police are leading the investigation in partnership with the Care Quality Commission.

Welford said it was "working closely" with the authorities to "halt the spread of infection" and investigate how the virus entered the home.

It said the "vast majority" of residents and staff had received the first dose of vaccine, which "may have helped prevent an even worse situation".

The care home group said of the residents and staff who had tested positive "the majority have shown either no symptoms, or mild symptoms only".