A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man died following an altercation at a care home.

Police officers visited Regent House care home in Wellesley Road, Clacton, after reports of a dispute between the deceased, a 70-year-old man, and another male on Friday, February 10.

The elderly man was admitted to Colchester General Hospital on Saturday, February 11, but he died two days later.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service Trust said: “We were called at 10.34am on Saturday, February 11, to help a man who was unwell in Clacton.

“An ambulance, rapid response vehicle and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) attended and took him to Colchester Hospital.”

The Hazardous Area Response Team is routinely sent to firearms incidents, explosions and collapsed buildings.

A 63-year-old Clacton man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday, February 13, and released on bail until May 15.

Management at the care home, which currently 'requires improvement', have declined to comment.

The last Care Quality Commission inspection in August 2016 highlighted improvements needing to be made to safety and effectiveness of the service.

The report revealed its residents, who are independent and able to leave the home, were protected against the risks of potential abuse, but not all risks had been assessed.

It was also noted staff had limited understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Gazette:

Yesterday, neighbours were quick to defend Regent House residents, who they described as being quiet and friendly.

One resident said: “My eldest son is severely disabled, so I understand the difficulties they have and those are illnesses which can’t be helped.

“It’s not a bad place and shouldn’t get a bad reputation because what they do in there is great.

"I take my hat off to their staff because the residents are well cared for and always seem happy.”

A father-of-two on Wellesley Road was surprised to hear of what happened.

He has lived there for 16 years without witnessing any trouble.

He said: “One of the residents will knock on my door to say ‘hello’ which I have no problem with.

“My fear is if they approach someone who isn’t as accommodating because people can take advantage of vulnerable people.

"But otherwise the residents wander in and out and tend to keep themselves to themselves."