RESIDENTS have been moved out of a Wychbold care home that has been slammed by inspectors and is being investigated by police over claims of neglect.

The Hawthorns, on Walkmill Drive, was rated 'inadequate' by a Care Quality Commission report published in October.

The home looks after people with learning disabilities but was found to be failing in areas of safety, effectiveness and leadership by the CQC visit.

Concerns about the standards of care have led to Worcestershire County Council and West Mercia becoming involved.

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council, said: “Adult Social Care Services in Worcestershire worked with Safeguarding, local Health Services and The Care Quality Commission regarding a number of concerns raised at The Hawthorns.

"The police are also conducting a separate investigation. All individuals have been moved out of the home and have alternative care and support.”

West Mercia Police Detective Inspector for Vulnerability, Gareth Lougher added: “An investigation has been launched into suspected wilful neglect in a care home in Wychavon.

"The residents within the care home have been moved to alternative accommodation.

“Two people have been arrested and bailed to return to the police station at a later date, pending further enquiries. The investigation is ongoing.”

The CQC report criticised terminology used by staff when caring for people and said 'care plans and risk assessments did not contain up to date and accurate information to provide safe care'.

It added: "Where people experienced unexplained bruising, the provider had not informed key agencies with responsibilities for protecting people, to ensure investigations were undertaken and plans put in place to keep people safe."

Hawthorns had been rated as 'requires improvement' in its two previous inspections and the CQC said it had received concerns about the management of the service which led to their latest visit.

Yunicorn, which runs the home, declined the offer to comment but previously said to the BBC: "We are aware of ongoing investigations by the authorities and we have given our full cooperation to these."