Burnley care home death inquiry launched

Residents have been moved out of a Lancashire care home after a police investigation was launched into the death of a 91-year-old woman.

The woman, who was a resident at Palatine Lodge in Burnley, was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Sunday, where she died late on Monday night.

Police were called to the home on Sunday by Lancashire County Council to look into the care that she received.

The remaining six residents have been moved to other homes as a precaution.

The home has been temporarily closed.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "Palatine Lodge is a privately owned and managed facility, which was visited by county council staff over the weekend for an assessment of the quality and safety of care being provided.

"Council officers subsequently requested assistance from Lancashire Constabulary.

"Our primary concern is the wellbeing of the residents and on Tuesday we took the precaution of moving all six people who need ongoing support into other accommodation.

"We will now be working closely with the police and other agencies to conduct a detailed investigation.

"Meanwhile our thoughts are with those affected by the sad news of this lady's death."

A spokesman for Lancashire Constabulary said: "Police were asked by Lancashire County Council to attend a care home in Burnley on Sunday 3rd June.

"It followed the admittance of a 91-year-old woman to the Royal Blackburn Hospital earlier that day.

"Sadly, the woman passed away on Monday night.

"A joint police and social services investigation has been launched."