Man Arrested In Jersey Home Case

Police investigating allegations of abuse at a former children’s home in Jersey have arrested a 68-year-old man on the island, they have confirmed.

Jersey Police said the man, who has not been named, was helping with inquiries on a number of historic rape and indecent assault allegations.

More than 100 people have claimed abuse at Haut de la Garenne since the 1960s. Two cellar rooms at the former home are being examined after bone and teeth fragments were found.

Officers have been investigating the four cellars referred to as “punishment rooms” by alleged victims. In 2006, covert investigations began following claims by former residents of sexual and physical abuse of children, dating back to the 1960s.

Earlier this month the case against the first man to be charged in connection with the abuse allegations was adjourned until 12 May. Gordon Wateridge, 76, has been charged with indecently assaulting three girls under the age of 16.

He formerly worked as a warden at Haut de la Garenne, which was closed as a children’s home in 1986.

Although he worked there, his arrest was unconnected with the discovery of a fragment of a child’s skull at the former children’s home and the ongoing forensic search there.