The owners of a recently closed Nottinghamshire care home are left “horrified” after police ended an investigation into racist graffiti left on the premises. Messages using derogatory language towards black people such as “Go home ******” and “****** get out” were sprayed on walls inside Ashdale Care Home during the break-in.
Isilda Sears, a 70-year-old black nurse who owns the care home, said the discovery late last year was “sickening”. After carrying out multiple inquiries, Nottinghamshire Police announced that the investigation had been suspended due to insufficient evidence. However, the force plans to resume operations if new evidence comes to light.
Neomi Bennett, founder of Equality 4 Black Nurses, which has supported Sears, called the decision “shameful.” “We feel violated,” the 51-year-old said.
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“It's embarrassing and very frightening for the police to leave us with what we've been through. Isilda is now afraid to go into the house herself.”
Ms Sears, who has more than 40 years of nursing experience, added: “I felt devastated, nauseous, empty and as if I had no rights.''
Chief Inspector James Walker said the investigation had failed to identify a suspect, citing a lack of CCTV, witnesses and forensic access. A video tour of the empty house was also uploaded to social media, but it did not help police.
“We have reviewed the footage and cannot see or identify the individual from the page where it was posted,” Walker said. “Unfortunately, in some situations, we may not be able to obtain critical evidence to solve a crime, but that doesn't mean we give up.
The message contained a derogatory term for black people (Image: Already posted)
“New evidence that comes to light will always be investigated. If you have any information about this incident please contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 242 of 22 November 2023. .”
Melanie Williams, director of adult social care and health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said the authority “completely condemns” any form of racial abuse or behavior. Ashdale Care Home's license was suspended in September by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) after “significant risks” were found during an inspection.
Sixteen elderly residents, including some with dementia, were moved to alternative accommodation on the same day, but some relatives said they were “treated like squatters”.
Sears, who took over the facility as a care provider last July, claimed she was mistreated by authorities and said eight staff members were coordinating a surprise walkout weeks after her arrival. “I can't believe this happened to me, I can't believe it,” she said.
Isilda Sears (Image: Isilda Sears)
“Honestly, it's very painful. I don't want to get out of bed most days. The staff were difficult, but I tried to work with them.”
Despite trying to act on the CQC's warnings, Sears was ultimately forced to close the facility, but remains hopeful of reopening. Ms Williams added: 'There was clear and unequivocal evidence that there had been a serious breach of the standards of care that we had a duty to act decisively to protect our residents.
“As soon as we were notified that the CQC had removed Ashdale Care Home from the register, we acted immediately and responsibly to ensure continuity of care.”