Police arrest four men over allegations of physical abuse at Rathgael traiining facility

DETECTIVES investigating allegations of historial abuse at a state-run institution for young people have arrested four men.

The suspects, aged between 42 and 57, were detained in connection with the investigation into claims of physical abuse in the former Rathgael training facility in Bangor.

A fifth male has been arrested on suspicion of blackmail at the Lakewood youth facility, also in Bangor.

They are currently assisting police with their enquiries.

A team of specialist detectives have been carrying out the investigation since January this year.

“Officers will be interviewing and speaking with anyone who can assist them with their enquiries to help bring those responsible to justice,” a PSNI spokesperson said.

Police have appealed to anyone who believes they were the victim of abuse or anyone who witnessed abuse or with any information to contact detectives at the Public Protection Unit on 0845 600 8000.

The sprawling facility along Bangor’s Rathgael Road was closed in 2007.