St Christopher's residential home for young people in Bristol closes suddenly amid child cruelty allegations

A residential school in North Bristol has unexpectedly closed amid allegations of child cruelty.

St Christopher's Children's Home cares for vulnerable children aged 5 to 19 years old with severe learning and communication difficulties.

Some members of staff have been immediately suspended from the Westbury Park care home while Avon and Somerset Police investigate the allegations.

Aurora Group, who run the site, are stressing the allegations are related to the care home, and not a school on the site.

Ofsted has now removed the school's registration while investigations are underway.

A spokesperson said: "We inspected the children’s home in June and it was judged to be inadequate. The home has been issued with a suspension of registration notice because of serious concerns about safeguarding."

It is thought the school was attended by 28 children and young adults, eight of whom were from the Bristol area.

Aurora Group said the allegations left them "deeply concerned".

Dr Jacqui Jensen, executive director of people services at Bristol City Council, said: "Allegations such as this are very concerning and therefore the welfare and needs of the children, young people and their families who attend this school's education and residential care facilities are our top priority.

"We are working with the families, other local authorities and a range of partners to review everyone's individual care plans and make alternative arrangements for the provision of care and education."