A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with an investigation into the death of a women from a Bracknell nursing home.

In February this year Frances Norris, 93, was rushed to hospital from Birdsgrove Nursing Home in Warfield Road, Priestwood after suffering severe burns.

She died died three days later on February 8.

Just eight days before Ms Norris was rushed to hospital another resident, Florence Knight, 86, died after the ceiling collapsed on her bed in the middle of the night.

The deaths were not linked, but sparked a joint investigation by Thames Valley Police, Bracknell Forest Council, the Health and Safety Executive and the Care Quality Commission.

Now a 54-year-old man from Weybridge has been arrested  early this morning on suspicion of manslaughter by gross negligence relating to Ms Norris' death and is currently in custody.

Forensic vans and police officers are currently searching the nursing home as part of their investigations.

Senior Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Dave Hubbard from the Major Crime Team, said: “We understand that this investigation and the latest arrest is likely to cause concern for residents of Birdsgrove Nursing Home and their relatives.

“Measures have been put in place to ensure there are no risks posed to other residents of the nursing home and anyone with any concerns should contact Bracknell Forest Council or Thames Valley Police via the enquiry line 101.

“Our priorities at this time are to conduct a thorough investigation in a sensitive manner so as to minimise disruption and distress for those involved, and to protect other residents of the home and those involved in proceedings.

“The most important thing is that we establish the exact circumstances surrounding this woman’s death for her and for her family, and ensure that there is safeguarding in place for the future. I would like to thank the local community and the media for their patience and support during this investigation so far, it is much appreciated.”

The nursing home has 76 single rooms and two double rooms. Birdsgrove provides 24-hour care for the elderly and has a self-contained dementia care unit with 20 beds.

When it was last inspected by the Care Quality Commission on October 7, this year, they rated it as inadequate in every field.

A 43-year-old man from Hillingdon and a 19-year-old woman from Bracknell were arrested on suspicion of ill treatment or wilful neglect of a person without capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in February. They remain on police bail.

Birdsgrove has been contacted for a comment.