Three people have died, and four others have been hospitalised following a suspected carbon monoxide leak at the Gainsborough Care Home in Swanage, Dorset.

Emergency services responded to what was declared a "major incident" early in the morning on 23 October.

In a statement, local councillor Gary Suttle confirmed that the incident is being treated as a possible carbon monoxide leak, describing it as a "tragic event."

Other residents of the care home were safely evacuated and relocated to nearby All Saints Church.

The vicar, Rev Jo Levasier said: "We've just been trying to do the practical stuff of moving things around to fit them in, and providing tea, coffee, all that kind of stuff.

"Members of the public have turned up with blankets. So I think somebody put a Facebook post out quite early on."

South Western Ambulance Service reported receiving the emergency call at 5:20 am., dispatching a hazardous response team, ten ambulances, and additional resources to the scene.

Two patients were transported to Poole Hospital for treatment.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service was also on-site to assist medical teams.

Fire crews from Swanage, Wareham, Westbourne, Poole, and Dorchester, along with units from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue, responded to the incident at Ulwell Road at 7:47 am.

Group manager Neil Tidball confirmed their involvement in the ongoing response.