Wales child abuse: Police surprise at abuse claims scale

An independent investigation examining claims of historical child abuse at children's homes in north Wales has found "significant evidence of systemic and serious sexual and physical abuse".

Investigators in Operation Pallial have found evidence of 140 allegations of historical abuse between 1963 and 1992.

Seventy six new complainants have also come forward and 84 suspected offenders identified.

The claims centre on 18 homes and involve offences against boys and girls aged between seven and 19.

Det Supt Ian Mulcahey of Merseyside Police, who is leading the day-to-day investigation, said he was surprised by the scale of the abuse claims uncovered.