An investigation is now being carried out by bosses at the Lancashire Care NHS Trust, who confirmed a man had been suspended within the last two weeks but they have refused to reveal precise details of the incident.

It comes after similar allegations were made at a mental health unit at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

A Trust statement said: "Recent reports in the press have drawn attention to a number of serious incidents that have been dealt with by the Trust.

"These incidents have been at different times, in different areas and there is no evidence that they are related. "Where incidents have occurred the Trust has initiated a thorough investigation in line with our disciplinary procedures.

"Where incidents of abuse or other types of professional misconduct have occurred then disciplinary action has been taken. The Trust is confident it has dealt with the incidents described in an appropriate way.

"If new information was to come to light then we would immediately undertake further investigation and take any action that was required. Sadly these incidents detract from the good work of the majority of our staff who work hard in difficult circumstances.

"The Trust has invested in developing new services and as a result is beginning to see improvements."