Five deaths from Covid outbreak at Holmesley care home: police investigation continues

Five deaths have now been reported at the Holmesley care home in Sidford - all believed to be related to an outbreak of Covid-19.

Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the outbreak, which has affected a 'significant number' of residents and staff.

All five of the residents who have passed away since Sunday, March 6 tested positive for Covid-19.

Ten residents are being treated for the coronavirus at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, and one member of staff is in hospital with Covid.

While staff are self-isolating, agency workers have been brought in to care for the residents who remain at the home.

Why are the police involved?

The police investigation was launched following concerns about the outbreak, and has involved post-mortems on three of the deceased residents.

Officers are speaking to staff and have conducted a search of the home.

The police-led investigation is being carried out in partnership with a multi-agency safeguarding operation to look after the home's residents.

North East and West Devon commander, Chief Superintendent Dan Evans, said: "I've no doubt there will be concern in the community regarding this incident and we are doing everything possible to help those bereaved families, while also working with partners to communicate to those with relatives remaining within the home.

"This is a complex investigation involving ourselves and multi-agency partners, with safeguarding of residents at its core.

"There is significant work underway to understand the current situation and progress the investigation as quickly as possible, while maintaining the safety of care home residents, staff, police officers and partner agency staff."