A WOMAN arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a 96-year-old woman at a Hampshire care home has been released on bail.

Police have confirmed this evening that the 36-year-old woman from Southampton, is now on bail until December 2, pending further investigations into the "suspicious death" of Ethel Joyce Baldwin.

The pensioner, who was known by her middle name Joyce, died at Abbey House Care Home, in Netley Abbey, two weeks after care home staff raised suspicions that she may have been assaulted.

A post mortem has been carried out but the results of that have not been released by police.

Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team continues to work closely with the care home and Hampshire County Council to ensure that vulnerable residents at the care home and their families are supported throughout this investigation.

They arrested the woman on suspicion of murder yesterday.

As previously reported, the care home paid tribute to the pensioner who moved in two years ago for palliative care.

They described her as a “much-loved” resident who had been a “pleasure” to look after.

A spokesman for the home, in Abbey Hill, confirmed that they had notified Hampshire County Council and the police as soon as managers and care staff became aware on August 29 that one of its residents “may have been assaulted”.

They added that the actions taken by staff were in line with the home’s “no tolerance” policy towards abuse and is exactly how they are trained to react when there are concerns about the care of residents.

It was Joyce’s death at the home, a week ago today, that sparked police to launch a murder investigation, with specialist officers working with the care home and family members to establish the circumstances.

A spokesman for Abbey House, who extended sincere condolences to Joyce’s family, said: “Members of our care team responded exactly as they are trained to do by bringing their suspicions immediately to the attention of the manager, who in turn lost no time in informing the relevant outside bodies, including the police.

“Any further information or comment about that is a matter for the police and we must respect the process and avoid prejudicing its outcome.

“We shall, of course, continue to provide whatever information and assistance the police may require in continuing their investigation.”

Bosses at the home have met the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Hampshire County Council and Hampshire police since her death.

The spokesman added: “It is our understanding that all the parties involved consider this to have been an isolated incident that does not reflect an underlying problem at the nursing home.

“Clearly, our priority now must be to provide reassurance to our other residents and their families.”

The home, whose registered manager is Susan Wilson, cares for up to 48 residents with a wide range of health and social care needs.

It was last inspected by the CQC in April, which found the home to meet all the required standards.