Jersey chief minister denies child abuse cover-up
Police discovered the remains of a child during the weekend
Also In The News
|
A comprehensive roundup of all the action from the top leagues in Spain, Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands begins with news from southern Europe. |  |
Tuesday, 26, Feb 2008 08:38
Jersey's chief minister has told island senators that claims of child abuse cases being covered up are false.
Frank Walker said in a statement to the Assembly today that there was "no hiding place for anyone who abused children or who in any way may have colluded with abuse".
Former health minister senator Stuart Syvret had previously told journalists that "abuse was covered up for years" on the island.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) revealed that it has received 63 complaints of abuse since the remains of a child were found at the Haut de la Garenne youth hostel during the weekend.
Twenty-seven of the complaints are now being investigated by police, leaving a "dark cloud" hanging over Jersey, Mr Walker claimed.
"None of us imagined that children in Jersey could have been abused and mistreated in the way that is being suggested," the chief minister said in his statement today.
"I express my shock and horror that these things have apparently happened within our island."
Police officers investigating Haut de la Garenne have been forced to temporarily suspend the operation as they seek advice from structural engineers.
The bricked-up cellar of the building has now become the focus of the attention, with six other areas nearby also believed to be of interest.