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Disturbing footage shows two carers cruelly taunting dementia patients by snatching away and torturing their 'comfort dolls'.

Distressing scenes appear to show a member of staff throwing a doll to the floor in front of an elderly resident.

The worker then begins shouting 'die baby, die!'

Pictures also appear to show dolls being boiled in a pan, strung up by the neck and put into a tumble dryer.

Two staff members have been suspended following the alleged cruelty at Ashbourne House nursing home in Manchester.

Doll therapy is increasingly used with dementia patients - some consider them to be ‘like their own babies'.

In the video a colleague of the female staff member asks her: “How do you feel that you’ve just done that? How do you feel?”

The woman can be heard loudly laughing, then responding: “Great, because [resident's name] is upset.”

One picture shows a seemingly distressed elderly woman having the doll snatched from her hands,

Other images show dolls being boiled in a pan, dragged around by the neck or strung up from the neck.

The Manchester Evening News (MEN) reports that it is thought that the pictures and video were shared by some staff on WhatsApp .

It is understood he picture of the doll hung with rope around its neck was taken as the pensioner was sleeping after staff barged in and put the light on.

Ashbourne House, run by Silverdale Care Homes , accommodates up to 29 people over 65 who need nursing or personal care - including residents with dementia and learning disabilities.

Bosses say they are stunned by footage and took 'on-the-spot' action within hours of being contacted by the M.E.N.

Two members of staff have been suspended pending an investigation. The home has reported the incident to the police and says it is now consulting employment lawyers.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed a complaint had been made - but whether officers investigate remains to be seen.

Care Quality Commission chiefs have been informed - and the matter has been passed on to the Health and Care Professions Council and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The families of residents involved have been informed of the suspensions and told about action bosses intend to take.

The home was told to make improvements following a Care Quality Commission inspection in July last year, with inspectors identifying breaches in the Health and Social Care Act.

Officials said some people felt there were areas of improvement for staff regarding their 'attitude'. They said the service provided was 'not always caring'.