A former care home worker has been charged with murdering a resident at a Clacton care home.

Pearl Gunfield, 41, of Harwich Road, Little Clacton, was charged with murdering Eunice Fifield, 62, on September 25, "together with persons as yet unknown" at Carnarvon Lodge Residential Care Home, Clacton.

Gunfield appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Gunfield, who was remanded in custody until February 28, also faces a charge of unlawfully killing 95-year-old Winifred Armstrong.

Three other care home workers have been charged with the manslaughter of Mrs Armstrong.

Kirsty Gibson, 20, of West Avenue, Clacton, and Philip Perkins, 35, of De Vere Estate, Great Bentley, have been charged with manslaughter and appeared at Colchester Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The owner of the home, Angela Postill, 41, of Hawkendon Way, Clacton, was arrested on Friday. She has also been charged with unlawfully killing Mrs Armstrong. She was remanded in custody for three days after which she will appear before Colchester magistrates.

All three worked at Carnarvon Lodge Residential Care Home and have been jointly charged with the unlawful killing of Winifred Armstrong on or between September 1 and October 19 last year.

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