POLICE and social services chiefs are investigating a case of alleged abuse at a care home for elderly people, The Northern Echo can reveal.

They are understood to have launched the joint inquiry after an inspection body raised fears about the care of residents at the North Park care centre, in Darlington.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) received a series of anonymous complaints about the home towards the end of last year.

After carrying out an inspection of the I'Anson Street facility, CSCI officials alerted police to issues that had concerned them.

Specialist officers were called in to investigate and one formal complaint was made to police - an allegation that an elderly man was physically abused at the home. Although only one incident has been reported to police, the CSCI has a wider remit to look into practices at the home.

Durham Police said the investigation was still at an early stage.

A force spokesman said last night: "We are investigating an allegation of physical abuse at the North Park nursing home, in Darlington. It is an allegation that involves an elderly man."

The spokesman added: "Specialists from our vulnerability unit have been called in and are working with Darlington Borough Council's social services team."

Sharon Ward, of the CSCI, said: "The Commission for Social Care Inspection received a number of anonymous complaints in November 2004. As a result, the CSCI has been working with other agencies to investigate the complaints, under procedures for the protection of vulnerable adults.

"The CSCI is also working with the senior managers of the home to address any areas of concern."

Barchester Healthcare spokesman Alex Upham said: "An incident is currently under investigation at North Park care home. Until that has been completed, we can't make any further comment."