Man, 82, questioned over woman's death at care home

Police will interview an 82-year-old man today over the death of a fellow care home resident.

Ivy Hawken, 92, was found dead at Hyne Town House care home in Strete, Dartmouth, Devon, on Wednesday.

Police were called at around 10.30pm by paramedics who had attempted to resuscitate her.

She was pronounced dead at Torbay Hospital and the man, who was not related to or in a relationship with Mrs Hawken, was arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday.

He was released on bail last night to report to Torquay Police Station today where he will be interviewed by officers following medical and mental health checks.

Mrs Hawken had been visited by her family in the hours before her death. They said today they were devastated.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Steve Carey said: "This appears to have been an isolated and unexpected incident.

"The staff of the residential home are being spoken to by police officers today and are co-operating fully.

"Ivy's family are devastated by her death. They were playing cards with her at the home on the night in question and would like it known that Ivy spent five and a half happy years there."

Hyne Town House has fees of between £500 and £725 a week and has 26 residents, some with dementia.

It has been owned by Yvonne and Stephen Mould since 2002 and is described on its website as "luxury" and "one of the finest residential care homes in Devon".

Mr Mould said in a statement yesterday: "This tragedy has had a profound impact on us all. Staff, residents and their families alike are deeply upset by what has happened.

"Our grief at the loss of one of our residents, who has been with us for over five years, is immeasurable and our deepest sympathy goes out to her son, with whom we have built a close relationship over the years.

"Hyne Town House is a family-run residential care home and the welfare of our residents is paramount. This extends to our own parents who also reside with us.

"Our sympathies also go out to the family of the gentleman concerned.

"We would emphasise this was an isolated incident and we can confirm that no other residents were involved in any way.

"We are, of course, co-operating fully with the police investigation currently under way and would ask the media to respect the privacy and amenity of our other residents."

Devon and Cornwall Police are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to indicate how Mrs Hawken died.