Detectives investigating the unexplained deaths of three residents at a Swanage care home say it could be several months before the causes of death are established.
The results of detailed forensic submissions and analaysis is awaited following the deaths of two men, aged 74 and 91, and an 86-year-old woman at the Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road last month.
A 60-year-old local woman was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter but, following further investigative work, released without charge.
Police say the arrest was made to establish where there were any actions or omissions by the woman that were believed to be grossly negligent but they do not believe that to be the case.
The investigation is being conducted by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The deceased and their loved ones remain at the forefront of our minds throughout our investigation.
“Over recent weeks we have been continuing to gather as much information as we can, working with HM Coroner, to establish a cause of death.
“To enable us to take a full account and recover any available evidence, while providing legal protection to the person, we made an arrest as part of our enquiries.
“The arrest was also made to establish where there were any actions or omissions by that individual that were believed to be grossly negligent and we have now reached a position where we do not believe that to be the case.
“Our investigation is very much still ongoing and we are awaiting results from detailed forensic submissions and analysis to assist us in establishing the causes of the deaths, which may take several months.
“The families of the residents who sadly died are being kept informed with any updates in the investigation.”