ABUSE allegations against a care worker at a Bolton nursing home are being investigated by the police and the Care Standards Commission.

Social services chiefs at Bolton Council are also investigating the complaint about alleged incidents of physical and verbal abuse at the private Greenlands Nursing Home, Green Lane, Farnworth.

A woman care worker is under investigation at the home, which looks after 20 residents. Singam Collin, the owner of Greenlands, would not comment on whether the woman had been suspended or was still working at the home.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said the claims were being examined. Officers have interviewed the person making the complaint and the member of staff under investigation.

It is believed that the allegations cover a period of around five months.

Last week, an 87-year-old woman, who allegedly suffered the abuse, died from a stroke.

But police said her death was in no way connected to the allegations. The woman had died from natural causes and an inquest had been opened.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "We are working with police and the Care Standards Commission."

Mr Collin said: "We know these are false allegations and they are being investigated by the relevant people."

A spokesman for the Care Standards Commission said they had been told about the allegations and were investigating them.

"We will be invited to a strategy meeting with Bolton Council, but the main consideration is the quality of care for the residents," he said.

"In the short term, the appropriate action has been taken and we have to help in any way we can."