POLICE are investigating a care home after a watchdog highlighted a string of alleged failings - including claims two elderly patients were not washed for more than a year.

Stamford Bridge Beaumont was placed in special measures by the Care Quality Commission after inspectors rated it inadequate when they visited the home in August and September.

A whistle-blower at the home, in Buttercrambe Road, Stamford Bridge, York, told the CQC of several allegations of abuse in relation to moving people and Humberside Police is now investigating along with East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

While two patients may not have been washed since October 13, 2016, according to the CQC report, inspectors are alleged to have observed another patient being restrained by their arms as staff tried to move them into a wheelchair and into the bath.

In a joint statement East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Humberside Police said: “We are working alongside our partner agencies in relation to allegations surrounding safeguarding issues at the care home.

“Investigations are currently ongoing into these.

“A dedicated team of social care staff are continuing to work closely with residents, their families, the care provider and partner agencies to ensure the safety and ongoing care needs of residents are being met and appropriate improvements to care standards are made and sustained.”

Inspectors claimed residents were not cared for appropriately, there were not enough staff and they had not received the right training.

Some residents who were at risk of dehydration and malnutrition did not always receive the correct support and some people were at risk of skin damage because they were not moved often enough, the report claimed.

It added that some residents were left with dirty nails and several people were seen to have food or drink spilled on their clothing.

The report alleged that one person was left in clothing that was wet with food and drink during the morning. It said others had not had their hair brushed all day, despite a hairdresser doing other patients’ hair.

A risk of infection was found in several areas of the home and one bathroom had no soap or paper towels, according to the CQC.

The report added that food remains were spotted on the floor and there was an “unpleasant smell” in a corridor and rooms.

Orla O’Neill, associate director of Stamford Bridge Beaumont, said: “We take the findings of the Care Quality Commission very seriously and we recognise that changes need to be made in the home as the report identified.

“We have implemented a comprehensive plan clearly outlining the immediate steps being taken to ensure these improvements in our services are swiftly achieved.

“We would like to reassure everyone of our commitment to provide the highest quality of care to those living at Stamford Bridge Beaumont and to emphasise that their health and wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do.”

A spokesman for the CQC added: “We are aware of the alleged safeguarding issues at Stamford Bridge Beaumont in York.

“We are working with Humberside Police and East Riding of Yorkshire Council to ensure the safety of residents whilst investigations are being carried out.”