A care home for the elderly has been closed after inspectors ruled that there was a "serious risk" to residents' safety.

Acorn Lodge Residential Home, in Market Harborough, was shut with immediate effect on Friday and two people arrested.

Twelve residents have now been moved to alternative accommodation.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) applied for an urgent order from magistrates to make the closure because it believed the safety and welfare of the elderly residents was at serious risk.

Two women, aged 40 and 25, have been arrested on suspicion of ill-treatment and willful neglect. They were released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Acorn Lodge underwent a CSCI inspection in September and was rated as "adequate". Targets were set for improvements.

CSCI's Eastern Region Director Norwyn Cole said: "We carried out a scheduled inspection of Acorn Lodge at the beginning of September and found shortcomings in the standards of care.

"Following information we received about matters that are now under investigation by the police, another inspection was carried out in early November.

"Inspectors found that standards had deteriorated further, and they had serious concerns about the threat this posed to the safety and welfare of the residents.

"Our inspectors subsequently visited the home frequently to monitor the situation, but it became clear that the quality of care was not improving.

"We could not allow this to continue, and that is why we took the decision to seek the urgent court order to cancel the registration of the home. The decision is never taken lightly. We know all too well the impact that the closure of a home can have on the people who live there, their families and their carers, as well as members of the staff."

Leicestershire County Council moved all 12 residents from the home to alternative accommodation.

David Sprason, the council's designated lead member for adult social care and health, said: "When we were made aware of this situation, we acted promptly to deal with the issues swiftly and effectively."

County council bosses and the CSCI are liaising with police in their inquiries into Acorn Lodge.

Detective Inspector Dave Richardson, of Leicestershire police, said: "Our investigations into alleged ill-treatment and willful neglect are continuing."

The CSCI applied for an urgent order from magistrates under Section 20 of the Care Standards Act 2000.

Nobody from Acorn Lodge Residential Home was available for comment.