Police release two men over abuse probe at Co Down care home

DETECTIVES have releasd two men arrested for questioning over allegations of historical abuse at a Co Down young offenders’ centre.

A 67-year-old held on suspicion of indecent assault on a young female has been reported to the Public Prosecution Service.

A 49-year-old detained in relation to cruelty to children has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

The two were questioned as part of claims of physical abuse at the former Rathgael training facility.

It comes after four men aged between 42 and 57, were questioned as part of the investigation on Wednesday.

Three of the released men were reported to the Public Prosecution Service, while a fourth was released pending further inquiries.

The alleged incidents at the site, which closed in January 2007, took place in the 1980s and 1990s. Rathgael has since been replaced by the Woodlands Juvenile Justice Centre.

Anorther man was also detained on suspicion of blackmail at the Lakewood youth facility, a regional secure centre also in Bangor.

He was also released pending a report to prosecutors.

Specialist officers have been carrying out the investigation since January.

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

The Youth Justice Agency provides custodial facilities for children and young people referred to it by the court system in Northern Ireland.