Two Held over Alleged Guest House Abuse in 1980s

AFP
February 6, 2013

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LONDON — Detectives investigating allegations of child abuse at a London guest house and care home in the 1980s arrested two men on Wednesday.

A 66-year-old man from Norfolk and a 70-year-old from East Sussex were held as part of Operation Fernbridge.

The investigation was launched after MP Tom Watson raised concerns in the House of Commons last year.

The arrests are linked to the Elm Guest House and the now-closed Grafton Close care home in Barnes, south west London.

Commander Peter Spindler from the Metropolitan Police said: "This is a complex multi-agency investigation supported by the NSPCC, Ceop and Richmond Social Services involving non-recent allegations of sexual assault against children.

"It is vital that anyone who has been affected by or has information about activity in the early 1980s at the Elm Guest House, or the Grafton Close care home in Barnes speaks to the NSPCC on their helpline on 0808 800 5000, or their local police."

The police said that the allegations are in no way connected with current residents of the address.

Director of the NSPCC helpline Peter Watt said: "We are assisting the police on Operation Fernbridge and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

"We will assist the police in gathering evidence and supporting those who come forward. It's important we recognise the massive impact abuse has on children and young people, often well into their adult life."