Eleven arrests announced over death of care home resident

A police investigation into the death of a care home resident in Nottingham has led to the arrest of eleven people on suspicion of manslaughter.

Ivy Atkin, an 86-year-old resident of Autumn Grange, in Sherwood Rise, died in November 2012 shortly after being relocated from the home following its closure. The closure was due to fire safety and cleanliness concerns raised by regulatory body the Care Quality Commission.

Nottinghamshire police confirm that the arrests include five men, aged between 37 and 77, and six women, aged between 19 and 52, though the authorities have yet to reveal the cause of death.

A police spokesperson comments: “An investigation into the standard of care provided to residents at Autumn Grange is also under way and police are working closely with partner agencies to establish if any criminal offences took place."

Director of adult social services at Nottingham City Council, Candida Brudenell, commented on the investigation: “Last year, when the owners of Autumn Grange informed us at short notice and in breach of their contract with us that they intended to close the home, we acted swiftly to move all residents to alternative homes. Sadly one resident later died, and I extend my sympathy to her family.

“We have since been conducting a safeguarding investigation into issues at the home, in conjunction with the police and the Care Quality Commission and will continue to help the police with their investigation into the death of a former resident.”

Two of the men, aged 56 and 64, and three women, aged 19, 20 and 28, have been bailed with further enquiries under way.