A 51-year-old man is due to appear in court today after being
charged with the murder of Lancashire community support worker
Philip Ellison.
Robert Searle, of Glebe Close, Preston, was charged by
detectives yesterday afternoon and will appear before Preston
magistrates court this morning, Lancashire police said.
Police were called to Glebe Close, Fulwood at shortly before
11.30am on Monday, April 7 after reports that a man was being
attacked. They discovered Ellison inside the house with number of
stab wounds and he died at the scene.
Lancashire council confirmed Ellison, 47, was working at the
supported living service run and provided by the council. The
scheme supports three people with low-risk mental health needs with
at least two on-site care workers 24/7.
Ellison's funeral was held on Wednesday.
Richard Jones, executive director of adult and community
services at Lancashire county council, said: "This continues to be
a very sad time for the county council and its staff, particularly
those who worked with or knew Philip as we come to terms with a
tragic death of a valued colleague.
"I did not have the privilege of meeting Philip, but having
spoken with colleagues I know that Phillip embodied all that is
best about social care. He was passionate about making a difference
to the lives of the vulnerable people that he worked with and would
do anything that was needed to support them. He was a very popular
member of staff and was respected both within the community and
among his work colleagues. He put others first in all he did and
was a dedicated professional care worker.
"I know too that Philip was a loving and caring family man and
friend to all those he met."
"On behalf of the county council I would like again to offer my
sincere condolences to Philip's family and friends. Philip's death
is a tragic loss to us all; he will be sorely missed."
The council is carrying out an internal review into the case
with Lancashire care foundation trust, which funds the scheme where
Ellison died.
Vistors to Community Care's discussion forum,
Carespace,
have called for more action on violence against social care staff
in response to Ellison's death.
Join the discussion
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