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Twelve held on child abuse claims Twelve held on child abuse claims
(41 minutes later)
Twelve people have been arrested in connection with allegations of physical and sexual abuse of children, dating to the 1970s and 1980s. Twelve people have been arrested in connection with allegations of physical and sexual abuse of children, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.
The 10 men and two women were detained after police searched 13 addresses in the New Forest in Hampshire and one in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Ten men and two women, aged in their 50s, 60s and 70s, were held after raids on 13 New Forest addresses in Hampshire and one in Stevenage, Herts.
Officers focussed on New Milton and Lymington, where 11 people were seized. Police focussed on New Milton and Lymington, where 11 people were seized.
The 12 are being held at three Hants police stations. The abuse probe, involving 80 officers, began in July. The 12 are being held at three Hampshire police stations. The probe, involving 80 officers, began in July.
Inquiry team We are hoping to speak to people who are victims who have not come forward Ch Insp Gary Cooper
Hampshire Constabulary said the allegations concern the abuse of children by people living in their own private homes. Hampshire Constabulary said the allegations concern the abuse of children and young adults by people living in their own private homes.
Ch Insp Gary Cooper, who is leading Operation Crossbow, said: "[The investigation] started as a result of a number of disclosures from a number of people in relation to the historical child abuse."
Earlier, a police spokesman said: "The investigation team are appealing for anyone living in these areas around the time of the allegations who may have witnessed an incident or has information which could assist police, to contact them."Earlier, a police spokesman said: "The investigation team are appealing for anyone living in these areas around the time of the allegations who may have witnessed an incident or has information which could assist police, to contact them."
He added that throughout Thursday and Friday a mobile police station would be on the North Milton estate in the Nedderman Centre car park to "enable members of the public to speak to officers".He added that throughout Thursday and Friday a mobile police station would be on the North Milton estate in the Nedderman Centre car park to "enable members of the public to speak to officers".
He said that officers from the inquiry team would also be available for people to contact at New Milton police station and New Milton Town Hall.He said that officers from the inquiry team would also be available for people to contact at New Milton police station and New Milton Town Hall.
Ch Insp Cooper added: "We are hoping to speak to people who are victims who have not come forward or were living in the area at the time and witnessed something in relation to children."