Music School Abuse Allegations Increase

Police investigating allegations of abuse at a music school in Manchester have said more women have come forward to report incidents of abuse.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed more than 30 women had now come forward.

It comes after the former choirmaster of Chetham's School of Music, Michael Brewer, was convicted of abusing student Frances Andrade more than 30 years ago. Brewer and his ex-wife Kay were found guilty on five counts of indecently assaulting the student.

During the trial, Ms Andrade, 48, was found dead at her home less than a week after she gave evidence against Brewer at Manchester Crown Court after committing suicide.

Officers are now investigating around 10 suspected offenders in relation to the allegations, and said as part of their investigations, a 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and remains on police bail pending further inquiries.

More than a dozen third-party reports are also being investigated by the police.

Det Ch Insp Jamie Daniels, from GMP's protective services division, said: "This is a significant inquiry in terms of potential number of offenders and number of victims.

"We are supporting each and every person who has come forward and made a complaint to us as best we can and I must credit them all for having the courage to face demons that have been haunting them for many, many years.

"This has been a high profile investigation from the off and due to the complexities and sensitivities involved cannot and will not be rushed."

Detectives are appealing to anyone who has been a victim of an offence at the school or who has further information to contact them.

(JP/CD)