PENSIONERS who have been moved out of a Southampton care home shut down because of abuse allegations may suffer as a result of their ordeal, say relatives.

Residents of The Briars in Thorold Road, Bitterne Park have been forced to leave after the home was shut down for an investigation in allegations of neglect and abuse.

Adrian Lewis, 60, whose 84-year-old mum Peggy lived at The Briars in Bitterne Park, said forcing them out was “horrific”.

The home was shut on Friday when the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) won an emergency court order as police continue to investigate the death of six residents.

Mr Lewis added: “Friday was the worst night of my life, to see my mum and her friends herded out of their home in what, to her, was the middle of the night.

“It was horrendous and I think social services should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

“I really don’t think all of these people will survive the stress of the last few days.”

Angela Bizzaca, 53, helped her mum Rosina Hopkins, 84, pick The Briars.

She said: “I was always delighted with the standard of care that my mum received and I know that she was always very happy.

“I’m very worried about my mum and her friends being moved about like this, it’s too stressful at their ages and in their frail conditions.”

  • See today's Daily Echo for the full story