A WOMAN has been arrested for assault following the death of a 96-year-old woman at a Hampshire care home.

Officers had initially treated the death of Ethel Joyce Baldwin as suspicious and had arrested a 36-year-old woman on suspicion of murder.

But police confirmed this afternoon that the death is no longer being treated as suspicious and that no further action will be taken against the woman in relation to that allegation.

However, in the statement police have revealed that the suspect has been arrested on suspicion of assault in relation to the investigation and has been bailed until February.

As reported, Ethel, known as Joyce, died in September at Abbey House Care Home, in Netley Abbey, two weeks after care home staff raised suspicions that she may have been assaulted.

The care home in Abbey Hill called police at the end of August over their concerns.

When Joyce died on September 13 police launched a murder probe.

A police spokesperson said that Hampshire Constabulary's Major Investigation Team continues to work closely with other agencies to ensure that vulnerable residents at the care home and their families are supported throughout this investigation into an allegation of assault.