Police investigating the deaths of three people at a care home in Swanage are pursuing potential carbon monoxide poisoning as their “primary line of inquiry”.

Dorset Police Chief Superintendent Heather Dixey told the press that seven people were also in hospital as a result of the incident at Gainsborough Care Home in Ulwell Road on Wednesday.

However, she said there was “nothing to indicate” danger to the wider community.

“The deaths are currently being treated as unexplained, and we are continuing to liaise with our partner agencies to establish the full circumstances of what has happened,” she said.

“A significant multi-agency presence will remain in the area, including a police cordon as we work with our partners to carry out an investigation.

“Following earlier inquiries, I can confirm that potential carbon monoxide poisoning is our primary line of inquiry, but I would stress that there is nothing to indicate that there is currently any risk to the wider public.

“Swanage is a very close-knit community and I know these very sad deaths will have significant impact on everyone here.”

She said the remaining residents have been evacuated to a location where they can receive appropriate care.

“They are being supported by Dorset Council and the health service,” she added.

Katie Lobban, a spokeswoman for gas distribution company SGN, said they were called to the Gainsborough Care Home earlier on Wednesday as the national gas emergency service for the south of England.

She said engineers were sent to complete safety checks in the building, adding: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic incident.”

People living near the scene in Ulwell Road saw residents being taken out of the building.

One man, who did not want to give his name, told the PA news agency: “They evacuated the care home, Gainsborough Care Home.

“They have taken all the patients out but the emergency services are still on the scene.”

He said he saw some residents being taken out in wheelchairs.

He estimated there were two fire engines, three to four police cars and around eight or nine ambulances at the scene, where the road remains closed.

Patricia Garnel, who lives in Ulwell Road, said she started hearing sirens “non-stop” from around 8am.

“I knew something was happening as we started hearing sirens non-stop from around 8, 8.30am,” the 53-year-old told PA.

“As I was driving to the ferry the road was closed. I made it around, got to the ferry and police, ambulances and fire brigades were crossing from Poole to Swanage. It was a huge apparatus. One I’ve never seen.”