Staff receive death threats in wake of abuse investigation

Runwood Homes says staff at its Dunmurry Manor care home in Northern Ireland have suffered a vigilante campaign of threats and abuse following the publication of an investigation into abuse allegations.

The care home provider said staff at the home in Northern Ireland had come under “series and sustained attack” since the publication of an inquiry (see UPDATED: Runwood issues apology following ‘horrific’ report findings).

The care home provider said staff had received death and rape threats on social media despite the fact that the vast majority of them had not worked at the home during the historic events and with the service having passed all its inspections in the past 15 months.

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Runwood said its staff had been spat at in the street with one nurse having her house windows smashed and her tyres slashed and another staff member being attacked with a bottle while leaving the home.

Runwood said its Board of Directors of Runwood Homes had worked hard with a new manager and a new senior team to improve standards at Dunmurry and was currently reviewing the 59 recommendations of the Home Truths report.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson said: “Two incidents involving individuals turning up at the premises were reported on 27 June.  Both were investigated, and no criminal offences have been identified at this time. “

The PSNI said a further report of an incident was received yesterday and was awaiting further information.

The spokesperson said staff had been provided with general crime prevention advice and mini key ring torch alarms following reports of further incidents last week.