Police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following the death of a woman in care home in Westcliff.

Officers were called to Langley Lodge nursing home, in Imperial Avenue, at about 10pm last night with reports a woman aged in her 70s had died of her injuries.

A 52-year-old man from Leigh was arrested at the scene and he remains in custody for questioning. A post mortem will be carried out in due course.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death of the woman, who was related to the suspect.

A spokesman for the care home said they have been shocked by the incident and added: "“Langley Lodge Nursing Home can confirm that an incident took place yesterday.

"We are utterly shocked by what happened and we are cooperating with the police on this matter.

"We are providing support to other residents and their families. We will not comment further at this time.” 

The 29-bed home, which specialises in dementia care, has not been sealed off and remains open.

The home was last inspected in September with a full Care Quality Commission report published earlier this year and was rated as ‘good’ overall. 

An East Ambulance spokesperson said: "We were called at 10.05pm yesterday with reports of an incident in Imperial Avenue, Westcliff.

"We sent an ambulance, ambulance officer and a rapid response vehicle.

"Sadly one person died at the scene."