Police to resume Jersey home dig

Police in Jersey are to resume excavation work at a former children's home as part of an investigation into cases of child abuse.

The island's police chief, Graham Power, said witnesses had indicated the cellar was an important site to search.

Investigators at the Haut de la Garenne home in St Martin had earlier suspended their operation to seek advice from a structural engineer.

Chief Minister Frank Walker has denied there had been any cover-up.

He also told island senators that anyone who abused children or colluded with abuse would be pursued.

In a statement made to the States of Jersey - the equivalent of the UK's parliament - Mr Walker, the island's leading politician, spoke of a "dark cloud" hanging over it, following news police were investigating 27 cases of child-abuse.

Mr Walker and other leading members of the Jersey government have been criticised by former island Health Minister, Senator Stuart Syvret, who accused them of mishandling previous instances of child abuse.

"The overriding concern of the establishment is the image of Jersey - to prosecute people would be apocalyptically bad for the Jersey establishment," said Mr Syvret.

Officers have been focusing their attention on a bricked-up cellar of the building, which now serves as a Youth Hostel, after the remains of a child were discovered at the weekend.

Six more "sites of interest" have been identified nearby.

Police were alerted to the site during their investigation into child abuse allegations stemming from the time when the building was a home for children with behaviour problems.

Jersey's deputy police chief, Lenny Harper, has said so far his officers had uncovered "no evidence of a cover-up of any Jersey government".

In 2006, Jersey Police began investigating allegations of abuse in the 1960s, 70s and 80s of boys and girls aged between 11 and 15.

Police say it is vital that any alleged victims still unidentified contact the incident room as soon as possible, on 0800 735 7777.

There is also an NSPCC helpline on 0800 169 1173 within Jersey, or + 44 (0)20 7825 7489 from outside.