THE family of a 92-year-old woman who died at a South Hams care home are being supported by specially trained police officers.

And senior police officers have reassured the public after an 82-year-old man living at the same care home was charged with the murder of fellow resident Ivy Hawken.

DI Mike West, of the major crime investigation team, was speaking after Peter Woodroof was remanded in custody charged with murder.

Woodroof is accused of killing Ivy Hawken, 92, at Hyne Town House care home in Strete on Wednesday.

He appeared at a sitting of Torquay Magistrates' Court which was held in a custody suite at Torquay police station (pictured above) on Saturday morning.

Magistrates, a court clerk and prosecution and defence solicitors squeezed into a small medical room in the police station before Woodruff was brought in in a wheelchair, looking frail and confused.

Only one of his two sons, who had come to the hearing, was able to sit beside him in the room.

Woodroof has Parkinson's disease, is blind in one eye and had a hip operation two weeks ago.

When asked by the court clerk whether he understood the charge of murder, he said yes.

Woodroof was remanded in custody to stay in the hospital wing at HMP Exeter until alternative accommodation can be found.

The case was adjourned to be heard at Plymouth Crown Court on January 11 next year.

Mrs Hawken had lived at Hyne Town House for more than five years and had one son.

Police were called to Hyne Town House at around 10.30pm on Wednesday by paramedics who had attempted to resuscitate Mrs Hawken but she was pronounced dead at Torbay Hospital.

Today, DI West stressed police are keeping everyone affected 'fully' up to date with the investigation.

He said: "The investigation is at an early stage and Ms Hawken's family are being supported by specially trained liaison officers.

"We are seeking, with partner agencies, to support the other residents at the home and their next of kin.

"I would stress this is an isolated and extremely rare incident in Devon and Cornwall and I'd like to reassure the community we will do all we can to fully investigate the circumstances and provide regular updates to the relevant parties.

"Due to the fact a man has now been charged I am unable to say any more at this time, other than to thank everyone involved in this investigation for their co-operation and patience."