A care home in Inverclyde is facing closure after health inspectors found residents were at serious risk.

Earlier inspections of Larkfield View Care Centre by the Care Inspectorate found significant concerns at the property, and an improvement notice was issued to owners Holmes Care.

However the watchdog has now said it has found "evidence of serious risk to people experiencing care" at the home in Greenock, which has space for about 90 people.

An application to the sheriff court has been made, seeking cancellation of Holmes Care's registration of the care home. The company says it will "vigorously challenge" the application.

The Care Inspectorate carried out an unannounced inspection of the home on 14 April.

A subsequent report listed a number of issues, saying Larkfield View had "systemic weaknesses in leadership, governance, staffing analysis, and risk management."

A serious concern letter detailing two requirements for standards of cleanliness and food safety measures at the home was issued to the provider on 15 April.

The report also said the service's quality assurance systems were not effective in "identifying risks, driving improvement or preventing repeated areas of concern."

The care home's website said it provided "a safe, relaxing space where residents can feel completely at home."

But the Care Inspectorate said that while staff were kind and compassionate, they lacked the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care for the people in the home.

Larkfield View scored ratings of weak in all categories, except for the care home's setting, which was considered adequate.

Holmes Care said it had been working alongside the Care Inspectorate to make the improvements needed.

In a statement, the Care Inspectorate said: "Inspections have identified serious and significant concerns about the quality of care experienced by residents at Larkfield View Care Centre in Greenock.

"We understand this is a difficult and distressing time for residents, their loved ones and staff at the home.

"However, our first priority is always the health, safety and wellbeing of residents."

A spokesperson said that, despite the improvement notice and further monitoring, the Care Inspectorate had found "evidence of serious risk to people experiencing care".

"Because of this, we have submitted an application to the sheriff court seeking cancellation of the provider's registration of this care home," they added.

If approved, new care arrangements would be put in place for the home's residents.

Sharifa Lakhani, chief executive of Holmes Care Group Scotland, said: "We are deeply disappointed that the Care Inspectorate has applied to cancel Larkfield View's registration.

"We have been working with the Care Inspectorate for some time to make the necessary changes at the home, and we will vigorously challenge this application.

"The health, safety and wellbeing of our residents is our utmost priority. Our team is focused on caring for residents and supporting their families and our staff."