Teenage girl charged over care home assault

A teenage girl has been charged over an alleged assault of an elderly resident in a soon-to-close care home.

Muirhead Care Home, near Alford in Aberdeenshire, has been told it will not be able to operate from next month after concerns were raised about the treatment of residents.

Those living in the accommodation are to be moved to other homes after Aberdeen Sheriff Court made an interim suspension order pending a full hearing to consider formal closure.

Police said a 16-yearold girl had been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged minor assault involving a female resident, in her 90s, at Muirhead.

Detective Inspector David Howieson said: “While carrying out inquiries into reported concerns at Muirhead Care Home, an isolated alleged incident was brought to our attention dating back to June 17, 2018.

“A 16-year-old female has subsequently been charged in connection.

“We are continuing to work with our partners, including the Care Inspectorate and Aberdeenshire Council, in relation to wider concerns raised at the home, which I know have attracted much public attention.”

Aberdeen Sheriff Court last week made an interim suspension order, meaning the home will not be able to operate after 31 August.

Det Insp Howieson said police were contacting home residents and their relatives.