A POLICE probe into the death of an elderly man in the grounds of a care home has been drawn to a close after the post-mortem examination results concluded the pensioner died from natural causes.

The 90-year-old was in the smoking shelter at Heathercroft Care Home on May 21 when he became unwell, it has been confirmed.

It is understood a fire broke out shortly after with firefighters called to tackle the blaze at the care home on Longbarn Lane.

He was taken to Whiston Hospital in a critical condition but his death was confirmed a short time later.

A police spokesman said: “We have concluded our investigation after a post-mortem examination confirmed the man died from natural causes.

“We will continue to provide any information requested to the Care Quality Commission (CQC).”

Heathercroft Care Home had been rated as inadequate and placed into special measures by the CQC, who inspected the premises in January in the wake of an incident where a 98-year-old woman suffered shocking injuries after being attacked by a fellow resident.

A month previously, great-grandmother Monica Holt was attacked twice within the space of half an hour by a male resident as she slept in her bed.

But following an unannounced inspection on April 16 and 17, the home was graded as ‘requires improvement’ after it was observed by inspectors the ‘caring, positive relationships between staff members and the people living in the home’.

A spokesman for Ashberry Healthcare, the company in charge of Heathercroft Care Home, added: “This tragic incident had a devastating effect on all involved.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and helping the staff come to terms with the incident.”