Jersey abuse inquiry: ex-police officer released

Haroon Siddique

The Youth Hostel at Haut de la Garenne on the Channel Island of Jersey. Photograph: Chris Ison/PA

An ex-police officer arrested in connection with allegations of child abuse at a former children's home in Jersey was today released without charge.

The 50-year-old man was detained yesterday morning in connection with "serious crimes" at Haut de la Garenne, which is at the centre of the inquiry into historic abuse on the island, and elsewhere in Jersey.

He was the third man to be arrested in relation to alleged offences carried out at Haut de la Garenne and the fourth to be arrested as part of the wider inquiry into abuse in Jersey. The other three men have all been charged with sexual offences against minors.

A police spokeswoman said the man arrested yesterday had been released pending further enquiries.

More than 100 people have claimed they were abused at Haut de la Garenne, where investigators have found more than 30 bone fragments and 27 milk teeth.

Police are awaiting the results of tests to identify when the finds date from, which will determine whether a murder inquiry is launched.