Care home raided after deaths

Police have raided a care home in connection with the deaths of six elderly residents amid allegations of neglect and ill-treatment.

Concerns were raised about The Briars Retirement Home in Bitterne Park, Southampton after the death of 81-year-old resident Ronald Reed.

Several other residents are to be removed from the home by the Southampton City Council.

A police spokesman said: "The raid is part of an investigation into the care of a number of patients at The Briars, some of which have since died.

"Six recent deaths of residents over the last few years form part of the investigation, which also relates to allegations of neglect and ill-treatment at the care home.

"Officers were accompanied by healthcare professionals and although Briars is a private home, Southampton City Council attended in an advisory role."

The owner of the 34-room home, Annette Hopkins, denied any allegations of neglect.

She said: "There are always two sides to the story.

"I cannot stand here and say we are the best thing since sliced bread when we have these people (the police) in the home. Everybody makes mistakes."

Southampton City Council said it would be inappropriate to comment due to the investigation.

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