Man charged with murder of Lancashire community support worker

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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