Main points at media briefing

Wednesday 9 July 2008

At this morning’s Media Facility, Deputy Chief Officer Lenny Harper made the following points:

• Following intelligence and evidence gathered as part of the current historical abuse enquiry, a second site on Jersey has been identified as a potential crime scene. This is a German bunker at Victoria Tower around half a mile from Haut de la Garenne.
• In light of this intelligence and evidence, scenes of crime teams and search dogs have moved on to the site.
• Among this intelligence and evidence are allegations that residents at Haut de la Garenne were taken to the bunker by members of staff and abused.
• It is hoped that the new search will not prove to be a lengthy process. However the investigation will take as long as necessary in order to complete a detailed and professional examination.
• It is not anticipated that an archaeological examination will be carried out at the new site.
• Officers are in the process of  moving out of Haut de la Garenne and handing the property back to the trustees. It is expected that the formal handover will take place on Friday.
• A total of 65 children’s teeth have been recovered from Haut de la Garenne, 39 of which are already being examined in the UK with the remainder being sent over in the coming days .
• A large number of bone fragments are also being examined.
• Around 150 tons of material has been recovered during the search at Haut de la Garenne which has been sieved and stored.
• In excess of 1100 exhibits have also been recovered.
• It is believed that the victims number 97.
• 109 people have been named as being involved in offences connected to the investigation, with 18 being identified as priority suspects.