Emergency services respond to ‘major incident’ at Dorset care home as staff are ‘seen hugging and crying’ outside

A ‘major incident’ has been declared at a care home in Dorset this morning, where two people have been taken to hospital.

As many as 20 ambulances, fire engines and police have been rushed to the scene are at the Gainsborough Care Home in Ullwell Road, Swanage.

Southern Gas Network are also on the scene alongside a Hazardous Area Response Team, although details of what has happened have not yet been revealed.

Witnesses said staff members were seen outside the building hugging each other and crying.

Some of the emergency crew were said to be wearing hazmat suits.

A statement from South Western Ambulance Service, said: ‘We were called at 5.20am today to an incident at a care home in Swanage.

‘We sent a Hazardous Area Response Team, ten double-crewed ambulances and a significant number of additional resources. 

‘Two patients were conveyed by ambulance to Poole Hospital.’

More to follow.