Update: Since publishing this story, we have added a statement from Abbotts Care Centre Ltd.

A spokesperson said: Mr Smarts mother left Abbot Care Home on the 8th June 2018. Abbotts Care Centre Ltd fundamental approach is always to put the resident at the heart of what we do, through the delivery of person-centred care and a quality of life that is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

“We have a duty of care to ensure that we are able to meet the residents needs at all times; which is why we had to unfortunately make the unenviable and difficult decision that also took into consideration the regulations set by CQC and all the guidelines set by our local authority.

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THE SON of a famous circus impresario is locked in a bitter battle with a Harlow care home over the treatment of his mother.

Hannelore Smart, 73, is the wife of Billy Smart, who became famous running a host of circuses throughout the country.

She married Billy in 1973. Soon after they moved to Nazeing Park, a 12-bedroom stately home, which is, we understand, owned by Billy’s son, BJ Smart.

Hannelore is suffering from Alzheimer’s and, until recently, lived at Abbot Care Centre, Patridge Road, Harlow.

However, she has now been moved to a hospital following a series of complaints from her son.

The Daily Mail has reported that BJ Smart has accused the home of failing to give his mother sufficient food or wash her frequently enough and says he discovered a bruise on her arm.

He has informed Essex Police of his concerns about his mother’s care.

An Essex Police spokesperson said: “We were contacted in June about the care being received by a woman at a residential home in the Harlow area.

“Officers are awaiting more details and to date have received no formal allegations for us to investigate.

“However we are working with Adult Social Care, the home and health professionals to ensure she is continuing to receive appropriate care”.

Regional director of its owner Exelcare Holdings, Helen Bennett has confirmed that Hannelore has left the care home but has declined to comment on her son’s claims reports the Daily Mail.