FIVE women have been arrested after an 86-year-old man died at a Bolton care home.

Police are investigating allegations of neglect in connection with the death of the man at Lever Edge Care Home in Great Lever on Saturday, January 9.

A full investigation has been launched in a bid to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

As part of these inquiries police have arrested five women, aged 22, 43, 44, 48 and 63 on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

All five have now been bailed until February 26 pending further inquiries.

Greater Manchester Police said it is also providing support to the man’s family while the investigation takes place.

The care home — based in Lever Edge Lane — is run by Hill Care and offers general health care needs as well as dementia care support for its residents.

A spokesman for the home said: “Lever Edge Care Home is working very closely with Greater Manchester Police, Bolton Council and the Care Quality Commission during inquiries into the incident on Saturday, January 9, 2016.

“All staff, residents and relatives are being kept fully informed and management support has been put in place at the care home while inquiries are ongoing.”

The Bolton News has seen a letter which has been sent by Bolton Council to relatives and carers of residents at the home regarding the police investigation.

It states: “The staff members are suspended as a neutral act following an incident being investigated by the police.

“We appreciate that this will be a worry to you, however, we wish to reassure you that the council is working closely with the home, the Care Quality Commission and the police to ensure the safety of residents and to improve quality.”

The letter also points out that as part of the process, staff will be undertaking ‘quality assurance visits’ to the home and two dedicated social workers will regularly be on site to talk to people about their relatives’ care over the next few weeks.

Last week the Care Quality Commission announced that Lever Edge had undergone a new inspection and had achieved a rating of good.

The recent report has since been removed from the website with the latest inspection — which also warranted a good rating — now dating back to November, 2013.

The CQC said it was waiting for the police to conclude its investigation at the home before it carries out its own probe in light of recent events.

A CQC spokesman said: “We are aware of the tragic incident at Lever Edge Care Home, Bolton on Saturday, January 9, 2016.

“We are currently supporting Greater Manchester Police with their investigation and are working alongside Bolton Council regarding the incident and to ensure the safety of the people at the home.

“An inspection of the service was conducted in November and we will return to the service shortly to follow up on the recent event, and we will report on our findings in due course.”

Bolton Council said it was also assisting the police with its investigation.

A spokesman added: “We are also working with the Care Quality Commission to ensure all residents at the home are being appropriately cared for.

“Our sympathies are with the family of the gentleman concerned and we are keeping residents’ families informed of any developments.”

Anyone with information that may assist the police investigation is asked to call officers at Scholey Street police station on 0161 856 5608.