DETECTIVES are investigating the death of a 50-year-old man who was living at a mental health hospital in Orford.

Police have confirmed no arrests have been made at this stage but enquiries are continuing into the death of a man who was a patient at Ash House on Norris Street. 

A spokesman said: "Cheshire Constabulary is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 50-year-old man, who was living at a mental health hospital in Warrington in November.

"The investigation is in the early stages, no arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."

The independent mental hospital, which has been open for less than a year, was placed in special measures by care regulators after whistleblowers raised concerns around the safety and wellbeing of patients.

The centre was rated as inadequate by the Care Quality Commission following an inspection in November.

The CQC brought forward a planned first comprehensive inspection of Ash House after whistleblowers highlighted worries around the safety and wellbeing of residents.

Opened in spring 2016, the Norris Street hospital houses adults with complex mental health and personality disorders who require rehabilitation, step down care and community support.

A spokesman for Krinvest Limited, the company which runs Ash House, said: “We can confirm that a safeguarding investigation was initiated following a tragic incident in 2016. 

“Patient safety is our first priority and we immediately put in place actions to do all we can to avoid any reoccurrence.

“We continue to support the on-going police investigation, and are working with the CQC and other agencies to make changes to a number of our processes and procedures, in order to address any issues and further improve the quality of the care we provide.”