THE directors of a private rest home in Southampton at the centre of a police probe into the deaths of six patients are selling up.

The Briars Retirement home in Bitterne Park was closed down last month and its 26 residents placed in other nursing and care homes after an industry watchdog judged they were at “serious risk.”

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The directors of the company have now held a meeting with creditors to put the company into voluntary liquidation.

The Commission for Social Care used its legal powers to cancel the home’s registration shortly after a police investigation was launched into allegations of abuse and neglect at the home.

CSCI’s last inspection last November rated the 34-bed home in Thorold Road as “adequate” and made no major criticisms.

But healthcare professionals raised concerns following the death in August of former resident Ronald Reed, 81.

It sparked a police raid on the home. They confirmed they are investigating the deaths of six patients, dating back to January 2007.

The Briars owner Annette Hopkins, 63, denies neglect or abuse although has admitted she may have made some mistakes.

Detective Chief Inspector Dick Pearson said: “The investigation is progressing with police continuing to liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service.’’ Mrs Hopkins, who is managing director of The Briars Retirement Home Limited, declined to comment.

Insolvency practitioners Tenon Recovery of Chandler’s Ford have been appointed as joint liquidators.

Latest published accounts suggest there were not any financial problems at the Briars.

The comapny, which did not own the buildings, had a net worth of about £151,000 last September.

It has had various trade and expense creditors, as well as staff claims arising from the liquidation.

A full statement of affairs will be filed shortly.