A care home in Swanage has been evacuated this morning with two people taken to hospital.
Residents in Ulwell Road have reported a significant presence of emergency vehicles, including six ambulances, two fire engines, and multiple police units.
The exact nature of the incident remains unclear, but authorities are urging the public to avoid the area as the situation develops.
South Western Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 5.20am today to an incident at a care home in Swanage.
"We sent a Hazardous Area Response Team, ten double-crewed ambulances and a significant number of additional resources.
"Two patients were conveyed by ambulance to Poole Hospital."
The Gainsborough care home, run by Agincare, is believed to be the centre of the emergency response.
The retirement home is a 48 bedroom facility split over two floors, according to Agincare's website.
Eyewitnesses have seen additional emergency services arriving via the ferry.
In addition, Morebus has reported delays to its services due to the ongoing disruption.
Social media reports suggest blankets are being donated to All Saints Church to assist those displaced.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service said crews were called to the scene at 7.47am.
Group manager Neil Tidball said: "We currently have four fire crews on scene from Swanage, Wareham, Westbourne, Poole, a support vehicle from Dorchester, along with two crews from Winchester.
"Firefighters are working with Dorset Police, South West Ambulance Service and other partners to resolve this incident."
Emergency services debrief as welfare units are put up. This investigation is going to take a while @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/NY9rdfpSFD
— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) October 23, 2024
Southern Gas Network has also been approached for comment, as their presence in the area has raised concerns about a possible gas-related issue.
Our reporter, Matt Simpson, is at the scene and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Dorset Police has been contacted for more information, but no official updates have been provided at this stage.
If you have any information or witnessed the event, contact us at newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk.
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