Police apply for bail extension for man arrested in nursery abuse probe
Police are continuing to investigate alleged sex offences at a nursery in Devon.
Officers launched an inquiry in July last year after receiving information relating to Jack and Jill Childcare in Torquay.
A male member of staff was arrested and has since been released on police bail with strict conditions, including living outside the Devon and Cornwall force area.
A police spokeswoman said: “The investigative team remain in liaison with Crown Prosecution Service around the offences alleged within Jack and Jill Childcare in Torquay during 2019.
“Police have applied for a further three-month bail extension which is currently with Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Service for consideration.
“We expect a decision in early February. Until then, the suspect remains on police bail with strict conditions.
“We are not able to provide any further information on this ongoing police investigation at this time.”
Last year detectives said they believed the case involved a “lone individual” at the nursery.
“As part of this, over 250 hours of CCTV from within Jack and Jill Childcare have been reviewed,” acting Detective Chief Inspector James Stock said.
“As a result of CCTV inquiries, a number of children aged two plus have been identified as potential victims of contact offences.
“We have now contacted all parents and guardians of children who attended Jack and Jill Childcare in relation to our investigation.
“Specialist officers from the Public Protection Unit and our colleagues from social services have visited the parents and guardians of those children we believe may be victims.
“They will continue to receive multi-agency support in the coming days, weeks and months.
“The contact appears to be limited to within the nursery setting and we do not believe that any other member of staff had knowledge of these matters.
“These appear to be the actions of a lone individual, and the offences do not involve the taking or distributing of any images.”
Ofsted suspended the nursery’s licence in October.
Nancy Meehan, deputy director of Torbay children’s services, said: “We take safeguarding children incredibly seriously, and we are working closely with partners including the police in relation to this matter.”
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