Police probe continues into the deaths of residents at nine Sussex care homes

But they say their investigation - which has been going on for more than three years - is continuing into the deaths of the other eight care home residents.

Sussex Police were originally contacted following ‘safeguarding alerts’ relating to 43 care home residents, of whom 13 had died.

All the care homes are run by the same company - Sussex Health Care.

A total of 28 people have now been questioned by police over the deaths.

A police spokesman said: “The investigation into Sussex Health Care continues. This police and multi-agency safeguarding investigation commenced as a result of safeguarding concerns raised by West Sussex County Council for a number of patients at nine Sussex Health Care premises.

“Sussex Police was originally alerted as a result of safeguarding alerts relating to 43 residents, of whom 13 had died.

“The investigation focuses on possible offences of wilful neglect, failing to discharge general health and safety duties at work, manslaughter by gross negligence, and corporate manslaughter; whether by the actions of individual staff or due to corporate failings by Sussex Health Care.

“As of July 2020, 28 people have been interviewed under caution in connection with the investigation.

“The enquiry is now focused on eight deceased residents rather than 13.

“After thorough investigation it was determined that there is insufficient evidence to show that criminal offences had taken place in respect of the other cases, and their families have been informed.

“However the evidence obtained in those cases will still be considered as part of our ongoing investigation

“We continue to keep families involved updated as the investigation progresses.

“We are in consultation with the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) but no decisions have yet been taken on prosecution.”

A spokesman for Sussex Health Care said: “We have cooperated fully and openly with the police as part of their investigations and continue to do so.

“We welcome the fact that a number of these inquiries have now been closed and have found no criminal findings.

“Where these investigations are ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”