Fifth arrest made over historical school abuse claims

Badgeworth Court stopped operating as a boarding school in the 1980s

Police investigating historical allegations of abuse at boarding schools in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire have made a fifth arrest.

A 68-year-old former member of staff has been questioned by detectives on suspicion of physical abuse.

Police said the man, from Abergavenny, had now been released on bail until October.

Four other former school workers, including teachers, have been arrested and bailed during the inquiry.

The men worked at Badgeworth Court and Dowdeswell Court near Cheltenham, and Clouds House near Salisbury.

The allegations date to the 1960s and 1980s and the schools are now closed.

The 15-month police inquiry began after a BBC Points West investigation revealed the allegations at the three privately-run special schools.

Officers from the Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset Police forces are involved in the investigation.

So far police have contacted more than 160 former pupils, with more than 70 making criminal allegations of abuse.