Two staff members at care home arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment

A 54-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man were held concerning allegations contrary to the Mental Health Act 2007 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, police said.

The woman, from Godstone, Surrey, and the man, from Burgess Hill, West Sussex, were bailed to November 14 following their arrests last Friday and Monday respectively.

The pair were employed in different roles at Orchid View in Copthorne, near Crawley, which specialises in caring for people with dementia.

Last week, Sussex Police said it was investigating allegations relating to a small number of residents and suspected mis-application of medication. It is not believed that anyone suffered serious medical complications as a result of the alleged conduct.

A police spokesman said: “There have been no other arrests at this time, and we are not prepared to discuss whether or not there will be further ones as the inquiry progresses.

“They have both been employed, each in a different capacity, at the home, but we are not prepared to discuss their roles or current employment status.”

In a statement, Southern Cross said: “Southern Cross confirms that it is co-operating fully with the Sussex Police and West Sussex Adult Services investigation into an allegation made about the provision of care in one of our care homes.”