The Mercury on Friday reported that a staff member at the facility was stood down on Christmas Eve amid allegations she was seen by other staffers to use “excessive force” against one resident and a spray bottle containing some form of liquid on another.

Both residents are understood to live in the facility’s dementia ward.

Police refused all requests for comment on Friday afternoon, however on Sunday, Inspector Pete Northey confirmed officers had been contacted and were looking into the claims.

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“Investigations are underway in relation allegations of assault [at the home] by a staff member,” he said.

“Currently, we’ve spoken to family members of the patients, the patients themselves where possible and staff members at the facility as well.”

He declined the provide further comment, saying the investigation was still ongoing, however confirmed no charges had been laid so far.

The daughter of one of the alleged victims told the Mercury she was notified by Warrigal on Thursday of an alleged incident involving her mother and the worker.

The woman, who asked not to be named, claims she was told her mother was sprayed in the face with a spray bottle containing a cleaning chemical.

Warrigal acting CEO Craig Smith confirmed an allegation involving the use of a spray bottle had been raised with him however disputed suggestions the bottle contained a chemical, saying it would have been “unusual” for chemicals to be in that area.

Mr Smith said Warrigal’s would give every assistance required to police during the investigation.