Chelfham Mill school abuse probe to last until spring

An investigation into abuse at Chelfham Mill school could continue until spring 2016

An investigation into allegations of physical abuse of vulnerable boys at a Devon school could last until spring 2016, the BBC has learned.

Chelfham Mill, near Barnstaple, Devon, was closed in July, after claims from pupils against what detectives say is a small number of staff.

A Devon and Cornwall Police source told the BBC the investigation was expected to take about six more months.

The school declined to comment on the duration of the investigation.

The police source said: "It's a very significant case. We're looking at thousands of pages of documents."

The source said staff and pupils would have to be interviewed.

The investigation focuses on allegations of excessive force being used to restrain boys.

'Turned upside down'

A team of about 10 detectives has been assigned to the inquiry.

"We're looking at the last five years of the school's activities," the source added.

Chelfham Mill has voluntarily given up its licence to operate as a school while the police investigation is ongoing.

A parent of a boy at the school, who asked not to be named, said: "We're angry because we haven't been given any information about what's going on."

The parent said they had "been kept in the dark throughout" and their son's life had "been turned upside down".

The principal of Chelfham Mill, Katy Roberts, said: "I can confirm that we have no comment on this at this time."

Previously, she said she hoped to reregister Chelfham Mill as a school following the police investigation.

Chelfham Mill cared for 41 boys aged seven to 18 with emotional and behavioural problems.