Police are probing an alleged assault on an elderly woman at a Perthshire care home.
A care worker at the Balhousie Dalnagar facility in Crieff has been accused of attacking a resident, understood to be in her 80s, by forcing her head into a pillow.
The incident was said to have been witnessed by another member of staff who raised the alarm.
The Courier understands that the member of staff has been suspended, pending a full inquiry.
A spokeswoman for the Balhousie Group, which runs the Comrie Road home, said: “We are aware of an alleged incident that took place at Balhousie Dalnagar Care Home in Crieff on Monday.
“Investigations are under way and we are co-operating with Police Scotland and at this stage are unable to comment further.”
A source close to the home said: “Everyone is in a state of shock.
“The victim is physically unharmed, but obviously very shaken up. It would have been extremely distressing for her.”
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “We are investigating a complaint within a care establishment in the Perthshire area and officers are continuing with enquiries into the full circumstances.”
Balhousie Dalnaglar offers care and support for up to 40 older people.
The service, which is on the edge of the town centre, also provide respite care and short breaks.
The two-storey Victorian-built home has had a major refurbishment to upgrade all areas. A new wing with 14 bedrooms with en-suite shower facilities was added in recent years.
A Care Inspectorate report published earlier this summer concluded: “Overall, residents appeared to be receiving a good standard of care.
“Good relationships were seen to be in place between the staff team and the residents who lived in the service. The management and the staff team showed a commitment to making improvements to the service.”
The Balhousie Care Group was established in the early 1990s and now runs 25 facilities across Tayside and the north-east of Scotland.
