Three staff suspended at Blackpool care home

A carer working at a Blackpool care home has been arrested on suspicion of ill treatment and wilful neglect of a resident.

Two others who work at the Red Oak care home on St Annes Road, South Shore, have been arrested on suspicion of theft.

The arrests come after the family of an 87-year-old woman, who was being cared for at the home, told police they were worried about the level of care she was receiving.

Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage, believed to have been captured from a camera which was concealed in the resident’s bedroom.

A 21-year-old woman from Blackpool has been arrested on suspicion of assault and being a carer involved in the ill treatment or wilful neglect of a person with a lack of capacity.

A 50-year-old woman from St Annes and a 56-year-old woman from Blackpool have been arrested on suspicion of theft.

All were arrested between November 5 and 13, after the initial complaint was received by police on November 4.

They have been released on police bail until February 21, pending the investigation, and have been formally suspended from the home.

A police spokesman said: “The family of a female resident at The Red Oak rest home on St Annes Road in Blackpool contacted police to raise concerns about the level of care provided to their 87-year-old relative.

“An investigation was launched and we are working closely with Blackpool Council as our inquiries continue. We are examining CCTV footage as part of the investigation which is concerned with just one alleged victim.”

Red Oak cares for a maximum of 15 residents, and employs around 12 members of staff.