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Police quiz former detention centre staff amid abuse claims

Detectives investigating allegations of historical sexual and physical abuse on inmates at County Durham Young Offenders' Centre have begun interviewing former staff.

The alleged abuse took place between the 1960s and when the centre closed in 1988.

Since August last year, 915 former inmates have contacted police to report they were the victims of physical or sexual assaults.

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Victims praised for 'courage' in reporting alleged abuse

Police have praised the "courage" of the hundreds of alleged victims of historical abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre in County Durham in reporting their claims to detectives.

The officer leading Operation Seabrook said almost 200 of the 915 men who have contacted Durham Constabulary had taken up the offer of counselling and professional support following their call.

Many of those who have contacted us had never revealed to anyone else what had happened to them at Medomsley all those years ago. It has been a traumatic experience for some, and I appreciate their courage in coming forward and making that initial call.

A principal aim was to identify a number of people we needed to speak to about the allegations that have been made. The actions we are now taking are crucial to that aspect of the operation, and there are a number of other former employees we will be making contact with over the next few weeks.

– Det Supt Paul Goundry

Police said counselling and support for victims of Medomsley remains available via the local Sexual Assault Referral Centre, known as The Meadows, on 0191 301 8554.

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