Jersey abuse inquiry: Two released without charge

Haroon Siddique

Two people arrested in connection with the investigation into child abuse at a former children's home in Jersey have been released without charge.

A 70-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman were arrested yesterday in relation to three "grave and criminal assaults".

Police said the matters were connected to Haut de la Garenne, the former children's home that is at the centre of the investigation into historic abuse on the island, but the alleged offences did not take place at the home.

An investigating officer invited a Centenier, an elected senior police officer with the power to charge suspects, to police headquarters yesterday.

"Despite stating that the evidence was present, the Centenier declined to charge," said a police spokeswoman. "The States of Jersey police have no alternative, therefore, but to release the two suspects without charge."

Police have found 52 milk teeth and more than 30 bone fragments at Haut de la Garenne.

Tests have shown that at least some of the teeth were forcibly removed. Police have said that they are awaiting conclusive dating of the finds before deciding whether to launch a murder investigation.

Six people have been arrested so far in connection with the inquiry into historic abuse on Jersey. Three people have been charged with sexual abuse against minors, two of them in relation to alleged offences at Haut de la Garenne. The other three have been released without charge.