Greater Manchester Police Receive Further Complaints in Altrincham School Abuse Probe

By Mark Langshaw
Click Manchester
December 12, 2012

www.click-manchester.com/news/local-news/1218026-greater-manchester-police-receive-further-complaints-in-altrincham-school-abuse-probe.html


Greater Manchester Police have received further calls from the public in relation to a historic abuse investigation at a school in Altrincham.

Officers from Trafford's Public Protection Investigation Unit, with assistance from officers in the Force's Public Protection Division, are investigating incidents of sexual and physical abuse at St Ambrose RC College in Altrincham between the early 1960s and late 1980s.

As part of the investigation a 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of indecent assault and possession of indecent images. He has been bailed until 12th March next year, pending further enquiries.

Following an appeal made to the media on 6th December, a number of further phone calls were made to a dedicated line.

These reports are currently being investigated and in the comings days, officers will be visiting all those who have contacted the force.

Some of the reports, allegedly involving members of staff at that time, relate to incidents, some of which took place on school premises and some of which did not.

Detective Inspector Jed Pidd, from Trafford's Public Protection Investigation Unit (PPIU), said: "While it is not appropriate to detail the number of calls we have received, it is fair to say that the size of this investigation has grown given the response from members of the public.

"We have an awful lot of information to sift through, some of which is detail relevant to the investigation but where no offences have been disclosed, and some of which is information alleging offences similar to those already made and being investigated.

"Clearly, we will be visiting all those who have called us and providing whatever support we can.

"It is extremely important to once again emphasise that we are looking at historical incidents, the latest having occurred more than 20 years ago.

"While that in no way lessens the impact on the victims, it is pertinent in respect of safeguarding concerns current pupils and their families will undoubtedly have and I would like to stress that the welfare and safety of pupils is a top priority for GMP, the local authority and the school.

"We have had a significant response from former pupils but if anyone else has any information they want to pass to us or any offences they want to report but have not yet done so, I would urge you to contact us in absolute confidence and want to reassure you that we have specially trained officers on hand to assist you."

Anyone wishing to report information or come forward regarding the ongoing investigation at St Ambrose RC College in Altrincham is asked to use the following numbers: 0800 0920410 and 0207 158 0214.