Police Quiz Man Over Jersey Abuse Allegations

A man has been arrested on the island of Jersey by police investigating allegations of abuse at a former care home.

A 68-year-old man - who has not been identified - is being questioned over a number of alleged rape and assaults.

This is the latest development in an inquiry sparked by almost 100 people claiming that they suffered sexual and physical abuse at the hands of care workers at the home as children.

Previously, Gordon Wateridge, 76 - who worked as a warden at the home - was the firs person to be charged in connection with the abuse allegations.

Mr Wateridge was charged with indecently assaulting three girls under the age of 16. St Helier Magistrates Court adjourned his case until 12 May.

His arrest is said to be unconnected with the unearthing of a child's skull at the site in February.

However, there is an ongoing investigation into a pit dug in the 1970s or 1980s while a bath, shackles and blood stained items have also been found.

Jersey police say that detailed excavation of two of four cellar rooms would begin last week, where bone fragments and teeth have been discovered.

Forensic archaeologists also found two milk teeth at the Haut de la Garenne, on 22 April, believed to belong to a young child.

The home opened in June 1867 as the Jersey Industrial School for "young people of the lower classes of society and neglected children".

It became Haut de la Garenne in 1960 - which translates as rabbit warren - and closed in 1986.

Investigations were first made into the home in 2006 after allegations were brought forward.

In March, a legal team set up by Havant firm, Dyer, Burdett and Company (DBC) has appealed for victims to contact them in conjunction with Jersey advocates Ozannes.

Further reading: Search Continues At Jersey Care Home

(DS)