POLICE are no longer investigating the deaths of two elderly residents at a care home.

A police investigation was launched in July this year following the deaths of the two care home residents at Elizabeth House.

The deaths of a 90-year-old woman and 79-year-old man took place at the care home in Benfleet Road, Hadleigh, and concerns were raised about whether neglect had reached criminal levels.

The home is operated by Runwood Homes who have dozens of care homes across the country including Silvanna Court in Wickford and Rosedale Court in Rayleigh.

Essex Police initially confirmed the deaths were not being treated as suspicious but potential negligence concerning the care residents received prior to their deaths was being looked into.

However, the force has now stated the investigation has been closed.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “An investigation into allegations of neglect at a care home in Hadleigh has now concluded.

“We did not find any allegations that met the criminal threshold.

“It has now been passed to the Care Quality Commission.”

In September, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) released a damning report into the home and a ban was put on Elizabeth House taking in more residents.

The care home was rated as inadequate following a five-day emergency assessment and received the lowest possible rating for safety, leadership and care.

The report stated: “We took urgent action to restrict admissions to the service and placed several conditions on the provider’s registration because we were concerned about people’s immediate safety.

“The overall rating for this service is ‘inadequate’ and the service is therefore in special measures.”

A spokesman for the CQC said: "Following its inspection at Elizabeth House in Benfleet, in July and August, CQC found a number of concerns and worked closely with the police and local authority.

"As a result of the inspection, CQC imposed conditions on the provider and took urgent action to restrict admissions to the home.

"The home is currently rated as Inadequate and has been placed in to special measures.

"We continue to monitor the service and will return to carry out a further unannounced inspection.”

A spokesman for Runwood Homes said: “Elizabeth House has undergone some managerial changes and the home continues to work positively in partnership with all key stakeholders to uphold the quality care delivered within the service to all of our residents. This has been recognised by visiting professionals and residents, which is our ultimate aim.”