POLICE and Social Services in Southampton have launched an investigation into the death of a man in his nineties at one of the city's residential homes.

Cyril Boyle, 94, who lived at the Glen Lee residential home in Wavell Road, Bitterne, died on Saturday at Southampton General Hospital is thought to have died after swallowing tablets of concentrated bleach.

Angry relatives say that Mr Boyle, who suffered from Alzeimer's disease, managed to get hold of the tablets after they were left in a day room when staff could not find a key to a secure cupboard.

Staff initially called a doctor when a tablet was found missing and Mr Boyle was first found to be unwell. But his condition was initially not thought to be serious by staff according to the family.

It was only when a second GP was called in to examine him that his relatives were called and Mr Boyle was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Initially, the family were told to take Mr Boyle themselves.

Daughter-in-law, Trish Boyle, said: "Someone should have had enough sense and just logic to think these are dangerous substances, that these people don't know what they are doing, and that they are potentially hazardous."

She added that when the family found Mr Boyle, he was slumped in a chair with his arm drooping over the side and he had been incontinent.

She said: "He was bubbly in his breathing. He was in an appalling state and there was no way we could have got him into a vehicle."

Yesterday, health and safety experts from the council and the police were visiting the home to conduct an investigation into Mr Boyle's death.

According to Southampton City Council, Mr Boyle is suspected of swallowing some household cleaner although a spokeswoman said it was unknown whether it caused or contributed to his death. A post mortem examination was being carried out on Mr Boyle yesterday. She added the results of the post mortem would be known some time today.

She said: "We will be making another statement when the results of the post mortem become available.

"Care staff are on hand day and night at the home and look after residents with their meals, dressing and making sure they are all right. We are very distressed that this has happened."

Head of services for older people, Tony Almeida, said: "Our condolences go out to this gentleman's family at this very sad time. They are uppermost in our thoughts. We are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination which will help to explain how this man died so suddenly. We will investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident thoroughly, and then consider what steps, if any, we need to take for the future."

Staff at the home refused to talk about the incident.