Authorities to be questioned in abuse investigation

Inmates at Medomsley were physically and sexually abused

Investigators working to find the truth behind abuses at Medomsley Detention Centre are urging those "wrestling with their consciences" to speak out.

The Operation Deerness investigation aims to uncover what staff and authorities knew, and what they did, or did not do, to tackle "appalling" abuse.

Adrian Usher, from the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO), said: "We strongly believe there are people who worked there who knew, or suspected, something very wrong was going on."

Survivor Peter Toole said: "Everyone knew, but many were frightened to speak, or turned a blind eye."

Between 1961 and 1987, thousands of inmates were reportedly physically and sexually attacked at Medomsley, in County Durham, which housed young men aged between 17 and 21.

Operation Deerness, led by the PPO, will not re-investigate facts of abuse but will instead focus on how authorities dealt with the allegations.

Mr Usher said at a press conference on Wednesday that the abuse was some of the most appalling he had encountered, on a scale he had "never come across".

He said those yet to tell their stories may have wrestled with their consciences "for years", adding: "They will be at a time in their lives where people become more reflective and look back at the legacy of their life.

"We are saying now is the time to come forward, it is never too late."

Adrian Usher and senior investigator Richard Tucker held a press conference on Wednesday

The independent investigation was prompted by calls from survivors.

It will look at historic records and will take evidence from the prison and probation service, police, councils, faith groups, the NHS and education workers.

Investigators will also re-interview some of those convicted of abusing detainees.

Senior investigator Richard Tucker said: "Was this about a lack of governance? A lack of training or supervision? Was it incompetence?

"We're particularly interested in the culture - what training and messages were staff given when they were posted to Medomsley?"

The information gathered will be used for future policy and safeguarding recommendations.

Survivor Peter Toole says he will contribute to the investigation

Medomsley survivors believe the abuse they suffered as young men was an open secret, within the facility and beyond.

Peter Toole, who was regularly beaten, said: "People knew, but did nothing.

"If I saw a kid getting battered or interfered with, I'd shout it from the rooftops, but it was ignored."

Mr Toole, from Newcastle, will share his experiences with Operation Deerness, but said: "It won't make a difference, the damage is already done.

"This should have been done from day one, people have escaped justice because it wasn't."

Stephen Mcloughlin believes authorities did not do enough to help young victims

Stephen Mclaughlin, who also suffered physical abuse, wants investigators to look into hospital records.

"With the amount of people getting taken there with broken fingers and all sorts, the nurses must have known what was going on but they said nothing," he said.

Those willing to share their story with investigators are being asked to make contact.