AN assault on an elderly woman in a care home has sparked a security alert across Poole.

The woman, in her 80s, is today being comforted by relatives and friends as the owners of the residential care home began a security review.

Police officers are still piecing together what happened on Saturday night at the home.

Security measures were in place and helped raise the alarm at an early stage with police arresting a suspect on the premises.

"We are all saddened and disappointed by the news," said Roger Fulcher, director of care services for The Dorset Trust.

The trust runs a number of care homes in the county including the one where the assault occurred.

Speaking of the victim, Mr Fulcher said: "She is a remarkable lady and seems to be coping very well, but she needs time.

"Obviously we want to learn lessons. The staff on duty acted professionally, they called the police who arrived here very, very quickly and arrested a suspect.

"We will work very closely with the police in this and get their feedback.

"Scenes-of-crime people have been here taking note of what has happened and as soon as we have it all pieced together we will review what we can do."

Mr Fulcher said the trust was trying to make its homes as "homely" as possible without oppressive security measures.

Sheila Scott, of the National Care Homes Association, said: "You have to remember that residential care homes are not secure units.

"People who live in them have the same rights as everybody else and that includes the right to come and go.

"Thankfully systems were in place to take action quickly."

She added: "Care home owners have to take as many precautions as they can to protect the people there but without impinging on their civil rights."

Detective Inspector Gary Smith of Poole CID said assaults of this nature were rare in Poole and added: "Fortunately on this occasion police were able to attend quickly."