Eight arrested following historic abuse investigation at former boarding school

Seven men and one woman have been arrested in an investigation into historical abuse at a former boarding school.

Cumbria Police said the arrests were made in connection with “non-recent” physical abuse, sexual abuse and child neglect offences reported to have taken place at Underley Hall School in Kirkby Lonsdale.

The school for boys with behavioural problems closed in 2012.

Five men and one woman were arrested on Wednesday in Cumbria, Lancashire and West Yorkshire. One person is still being questioned by detectives while the others were released on bail.

On Thursday, two further men were arrested in Cumbria as part of the same investigation.

All of the arrests were made as part of Operation Tweed – an investigation that was launched by Cumbria Constabulary in July 2014.

Superintendent Rob O’Connor said: “This continues to be a complex investigation with a team of dedicated detectives following a number of lines of enquiry. Detectives have diligently and painstakingly gathered and analysed a large amount of evidence and have traced and interviewed a significant number of people, many of whom are now living in areas across the country and abroad.

“This investigative work continues on a daily basis, as would be expected by victims for a case so serious and far-reaching.

“Cumbria Constabulary are committed to dealing with all reports of abuse that have been made.

“It is never too late to report abuse, and all reports will be dealt with professionally and sensitively.”

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