A CARE home is being investigated by police over claims of financial irregularities.

Norton Court Care Home, in Stockton, was at the centre of a probe into the treatment of its residents earlier this year.

A report published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in March, following a surprise inspection, said many standards of care were not being met at the home.

According to the report, staff were failing to cater for the emotional, social and healthcare needs of their residents, were failing to ensure they were maintaining a healthy diet and weight, were unaware of patients experiencing pain, were failing to restock medicines and were not keeping accurate personal records.

Since the report was issued, the CQC and NHS Stocktonon- Tees have been working closely with the home to ensure necessary improvements are made.

The CQC said it had been encouraged by the home’s progress in recent months.

However, the home is now at the centre of a criminal investigation after “suspected financial irregularities” were discovered in a routine audit.

A spokeswoman for the care home said it was co-operating with police and was conducting an internal review.