New moves in police investigation into how 13 people died at Sussex care homes

But they say their investigation - which has been going on for nearly three years - is continuing into the deaths of the other 11 care home residents.

Sussex Police were originally contacted following ‘safeguarding alerts’ relating to 43 care home residents, of whom 13 had died.

All the care homes are run by the same company - Sussex Health Care.

A police spokesman said: “The investigation continues to focus on possible offences of wilful neglect, failing to discharge general health and safety duties at work, manslaughter by gross negligence, and corporate manslaughter; whether by the actions of individual staff or due to corporate failings by Sussex Health Care. “As of July 2020, 28 people have been interviewed under caution in connection with the investigation.

“The inquiry is now focused on 11 deceased residents rather than 13. After thorough investigation it was established that there is insufficient evidence to justify submission to the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) for potential prosecution in respect of two of the cases, and their families have been informed.

“However the evidence obtained in those two cases will still be considered as part of our ongoing investigation.

“We continue to keep families involved updated as the investigation progresses.

“We are in consultation with the CPS but the investigation has not yet reached the stage of considering whether there is sufficient evidence for prosecution.”