Two arrested following care home outbreak in East Devon
Nine deaths have been reported at Holmesley Care Home in Sidford in the last month
Last updated 26th Mar 2021
Two care home staff members in East Devon have been arrested on suspicion of wilful neglect in connection to an outbreak of COVID-19.
Police say a 57-year-old woman and a 30-year-old man are currently being questioned, after nine deaths were reported at Holmesley Care Home in Sidford in the past month.
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said:
"Police have made two arrests in connection with an outbreak of COVID-19 at a Sidmouth care home.
"A 57-year-old woman from Sidmouth and a 30-year-old man from Exeter have been arrested on suspicion of wilful neglect under the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015.
"No other arrests are currently planned by police in relation to the ongoing enquiry.
"Nine deaths have been reported at Holmesley Care Home in Sidford since February 25, which are all believed to be related to the outbreak."
The investigation is currently being led by Devon and Cornwall Police in partnership with a multi-agency safeguarding response in order to maintain safeguarding of those residents in the home.