Jersey 'abuse' victims questioned

Police are starting detailed interviews with victims of alleged child abuse in Jersey dating back 40 years.

The allegations involve government institutions and organisations including the Jersey Sea Cadets and the former Haute de la Garenne care home.

Jersey police have identified 21 suspects who have been repeatedly named by victims. No arrests have been made.

More than 70 people have contacted the police or a UK NSPCC helpline since the inquiry began on 22 November.

They include callers from Jersey and Guernsey, as well as Thailand, the UK, Germany and Australia.

The allegations of physical and sexual abuse span a 40-year period dating from the 1960s and relate to the abuse of boys and girls, aged between 11 and 15.

They are alleged to have occurred on premises run by the States as well as voluntary groups, but police are appealing for information about abuse at any institution in Jersey.

Extensive interviews

A police spokeswoman said: "Every detail is important to the bigger picture.

"We still do believe there are people out there with information and are appealing for them to come forward.

"The really detailed work is starting now."

The police have set up a special department which includes two civilian investigators from the UK, a specialist detective from Strathclyde Police and an analyst from Merseyside Police, who will examine various strands in the inquiry.

Both the States of Jersey and the management of the Sea Cadets are co-operating fully with the inquiry.

Police want anyone with information to call the NSPCC helpline or the abuse investigation team on 0800 735 7777.