POLICE are investigating the death of a woman at a care home in a village near Darlington, The Northern Echo can reveal.

On Tuesday, March 15 a 58-year-old woman died at the Middleton Lodge home in Middleton St George.

A spokesman for the home expressed condolences to the bereaved family, while Durham Constabulary confirmed officers are investigating the nature of the woman's sudden death.

A statement from the force said: “The woman’s death is currently being treated as unexplained and the investigation continues.”

Neil Wadge, regional director of home-owners Potens, said: “We are very saddened by the death of one of our service users who lived happily at Middleton Lodge.

“All relevant professionals, regulators and family were notified as soon as we were able.

“As part of the ongoing review, we will continue to work with our external partners to determine the cause of death.

“In addition our thoughts are with relatives at this sad time and this brings a sense of loss to all who reside at Middleton Lodge.”

The most recent Care Quality Commission report, published in October 2015, rated the home as good, overall.

However in 2011, the Care Quality Commission ordered the home to make improvements after an inspection uncovered a string of failures.

Inspectors found the home in a poor state of repair, with appalling cleanliness and hygiene.

Then, the management of medicines was poor and residents not receiving the correct levels of food and nutrition.

One resident who needed close monitoring was not being given the required number of drinks and meals and needed an immediate medical assessment because their weight had fallen below the minimum safe level.

Since then, conditions at the home – which looks after residents with learning difficulties and those who need nursing care – have improved.