Care worker, 23, charged with attempted murder after residents and staff have 'food poisoning-type symptoms'

Melissa Swift, who worked at Goldfield Court in West Bromwich, has also been charged with threats to kill

A care worker in West Bromwich home Goldfield Court has been charged with attempted murder (Google Maps)

A care worker suspected of poisoning the food of residents and staff at a home has been charged with attempted murder.

Melissa Swift, 23, will appear in court this morning after 16 people at Goldfield Court in West Bromwich fell ill in August with “food poisoning-type symptoms, including severe headaches, intense nausea and diarrhoea”, West Midlands Police confirmed.

Several people at the old people’s home also required hospital treatment, though all those affected have since made a “good recovery”, officers said.

Ms Swift was also charged with threats to kill and will answer both charges at Birmingham Magistrates Court.

She had been arrested on 4 August, before being transferred to a mental health unit for psychiatric assessment and later back to custody for further questioning.

Goldfield Court is run by Housing & Care 21 and provides “extra care” housing in 93 one and two-bedroom flats to residents aged 55 and above.