Probe into alleged historical child abuse at units
Larchwood House is one of two former NHS units in Haywards Heath under investigation
- Published
Police have launched an inquiry into allegations of historical abuse at two former NHS child mental health units in West Sussex.
It comes as BBC News has spoken to former patients at the facilities in Haywards Heath who allege they were victims of sexual and physical abuse.
Colwood and Larchwood units, which both closed in 2005, provided in-patient therapy and education for vulnerable children who were neurodiverse or living with mental health conditions.
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust - which runs mental health services in the county - said: "We are fully supporting the investigation led by Sussex Police and providing any relevant information we are able to share."
Colwood and Larchwood were located on the same site as the current Princess Royal Hospital in the town.
Sussex Police said its investigation centred on allegations made by former patients at the two NHS facilities during the 1970s,1980s and 1990s.
The force said they included reports of physical and sexual assaults, as well as persistent neglect.
BBC News has spoken to some former patients of the units - all of whom were children at the time - who claim they were sexually assaulted, beaten and neglected by some members of staff.
Two men questioned
Police said several potential suspects have been identified, none of whom are believed to be currently working in positions of trust and are not thought to pose any ongoing risk to the public.
The force said two men in their 60s and 70s have been interviewed, but "no arrests have been made at this stage".
Colwood and Larchwood units were run by organisations that pre-date the current NHS trust.
A statement from the trust said: "If anyone believes they have experienced any form of abuse, no matter how long ago, we encourage them to contact Sussex Police quoting online Operation Cortina."
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