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”.
“The families of those who have died have been informed and the coroner has been notified,” the force said.
“The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched.
“Four other people have been taken to hospital as a precaution and other residents of the address have been evacuated to a safe location as emergency services respond to the incident.
“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.”
South Western Ambulance Service said it was called to the home in Swanage at 5.20am and sent a hazard response team, 10 ambulances and “a significant number of additional resources”.
A spokeswoman for Southern Gas Network said engineers were called to the care home earlier today.
“Our engineers are waiting for access to the building to complete safety checks,” she added.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident.”
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.
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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 service also there.
Group manager Neil Tidball said: “Firefighters are working with Dorset Police, South West Ambulance Service and other partners to resolve this incident.”
Dorset Police said it could not yet confirm any details of the incident.
