More abuse claims at former Nottingham children's home

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-23300931

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More than 50 allegations of physical or sexual abuse at a former children's home in Nottingham are being investigated by police.

In 2011, six people said they had been abused at the council-run Beechwood Children's Home, in Mapperley.

Since then, 56 people have come forward with allegations of abuse dating back 30 years, police said.

The council said "appropriate action" had been taken and that there were "no outstanding safeguarding concerns."

Detectives are also investigating claims at four other children's homes in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

The homes, which have all since closed, were Bracken House in Thames Street, Bulwell; Ranskill Gardens, in Bestwood; Wood Nook, in Beechdale Road, Beechdale, and Risley Hall, Derbyshire.

'Sensitive investigation'

Nottinghamshire Police said 12 people had been questioned about the claims but no charges had been brought.

Det Insp Yvonne Dales said: "This is a thorough but complicated and sensitive investigation and the allegations are historic, in some cases relating to events which are said to have taken place nearly 30 years ago.

"We have experienced officers on the investigation team who are working hard on this case which presents many challenges, such as the difficulties around obtaining forensic and corroborative evidence, along with the fact that some of the alleged perpetrators have since died."

Beechwood Children's Home, which was run by Nottinghamshire County Council, closed in 2006.

Paul Burnett, the independent chair of the Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Board, and Julie Gardner, vice chair of the Nottinghamshire Children's Safeguarding Board, said in a joint statement: "We are aware of a number of historic allegations relating to issues at Beechwood Community Home and other related residential establishments and, where identified, appropriate actions have been taken.

"A full and robust investigation is being undertaken into these allegations, led by the police, involving relevant agencies.

"Given the serious and sensitive nature of these allegations, and the ongoing police investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to make comments about the detail of the investigation at present.

"However, we would like to reassure the public that at all points in the inquiry our biggest priority has been to ensure that there are no outstanding safeguarding concerns. "

Nottinghamshire Police said it was impossible to say when their investigation would conclude.