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Two staff members at a South Devon nursing home have been arrested in connection with a coronavirus outbreak believed to have caused multiple deaths.
Nine deaths have been reported at Holmesley Care Home in Sidford over the past month, all believed to be related to COVID.
A 57-year-old woman from Sidmouth and a 30-year-old man from Exeter have been arrested on suspicion of willful negligence.
Devon and Cornwall police said no further arrests are planned, but the investigation is ongoing.
The force is leading a multi-agency response to protect residents in the home.
Earlier, Chief Superintendent Dan Evans had said, “I have no doubt that there will be concern in the community regarding this incident and we are doing everything we can to help those grieving families, while also working with partners to communicate with family members who remain inside the home.
“This is a complex investigation that involves us and partners from various agencies with the protection of residents at its core.
“Important work is being done to understand the current situation and advance the investigation as quickly as possible, while maintaining the safety of residents, staff, police officers and partner agency personnel.”
The force has said that a “significant number” of residents and staff tested positive for COVID-19.
Ten other residents and a staff member have also required treatment at the hospital.
In a statement issued on March 15, Holmesley Care Home had confirmed that it was dealing with a coronavirus outbreak and, at the time, five residents had died.
A spokeswoman said the residence was “devastated” by the outbreak, adding: “The vast majority of our residents and our team of staff have received their first dose of the vaccine and we hope this has helped prevent an even worse situation.” .
