A POLICE probe into the death of a pensioner at a Hampshire care home has closed.

Officers have revealed today that a 37-year-old woman, arrested on suspicion of assaulting Ethel Baldwin at Abbey House Care Home, in Netley Abbey, will face no further action.

The 96-year-old's death last September had initially sparked a murder investigation, as care home staff raised suspicions that she may have been assaulted two weeks previously.

The 37-year-old woman from Southampton was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but police later confirmed the death was no longer being treated as suspicious and no further action was taken against her in relation to that matter.

But she was re-arrested on suspicion of assault and was due to answer bail today, where she was told she would face no further action on that charge.

As previously reported, Ethel, known commonly by her middle name Joyce, died at the care home two weeks after care home staff raised concerns that she may have been assaulted.

The care home in Abbey Hill called police at the end of August over concerns that Joyce may have been assaulted.

It was Joyce's death at the home, on September 13, led police to launch a murder investigation.

At the time of her death, the care home paid tribute to the pensioner, who moved in two years ago for palliative care, describing her as a “much-loved” resident who had been a “pleasure” to look after.