More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A fifth man has today been arrested by police investigating historic sex abuse of children at a Kent school dating back almost 50 years.
The 74-year-old, from Tunbridge Wells, is being held on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Police revealed today around 50 alleged victims of abuse at Swaylands School, in Penshurst, between 1967 and 1993 have been identified by officers.
A dedicated team from the Kent Major Crime Department, part of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, have been investigating for the past year.
Some of the dozens of alleged victims officers have identified now live elsewhere in Britain or abroad.
The pensioner arrested today is in custody at a Kent Police station, where he will be interviewed by officers.
Police said it follows four others into previously unreported allegations of child sexual abuse at Swaylands School.
A previous investigation in 1993 resulted in the conviction of two men for six offences each of sexual offences against children.
Both were jailed for three years for each offence, which ran concurrently and related to four victims of child sex abuse.
DCI Paul Fotheringham, who is leading the new investigation, said: "Following new information that was given to us last year, we launched a new investigation into the abuse of children at a school in Penshurst during 1967 to 1993.
"A dedicated team of investigators have identified a number of suspects and many people who are either victims or witnesses in this investigation.
"We now want to speak to anyone who has information or witnessed anything relating to the abuse of children, particularly anyone who worked at the school, either employees or casual staff, between 1967 and 1993.
"So far, our investigation has identified around 50 victims in this large-scale abuse inquiry. We are committed to bring any perpetrators of this horrific crime to justice.
"Kent Police will rigorously investigate all reports of abuse where we have sufficient information to do so. My officers have also ensured that appropriate support is in place for the victims we have encountered."
Four other men – all arrested on suspicion of child sex abuse – remain on police bail pending further inquiries.
A 70-year-old Lancashire man arrested on March 13 is bailed until September 11.
Two men – a 70-year-old from Edinburgh and 73-year-old from Nolfolk – arrested last July are on bail until November 5 and October 8.
And a 61-year old Berkshire man remains on police bail until September 19.
Swaylands School was set up in 1942 and between the mid-1960s and 1994 was operated and managed by the London Borough of Barnet. The building has now been converted into flats.
Pupils with learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties aged seven to 19 were placed there by local authorities across London and the south east.
