THE Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is to take no action against two care home workers who allegedly lowered an elderly resident into a basin of scalding water.

But the case file is now being passed on to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which will consider if any regulations were breached at a Durham County Council-run home, in Chester-le-Street.

The 91-year-old female resident was treated at hospital for severe burns following the incident at Mendip House Residential Home, in West Lane, in June.

Two female members of staff were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

The pair, aged 41 and 53, were questioned by detectives, and bailed pending completion of inquiries.

Following consideration of the evidence the CPS has now returned the file to Durham Police, indicating no action is to be taken.

But a Durham force spokesman said last night: "The police inquiry is now closed, but the matter will now be put in the hands of the HSE, to see if any action should be taken relating to the premises where it happened."

A County Council spokesman said both staff would remain suspended pending the outcome of all inquiries.