Winter Wonderland Hanley: Threats after false abuse claims
- Published
Winter Wonderland in Stoke-on-Trent opened on Thursday
Organisers of a Christmas attraction say they have been threatened after false claims the event was a "known place" for child sexual exploitation.
Two schools sent out warnings about Winter Wonderland in Stoke-on-Trent, which has an ice rink and a grotto.
They have since retracted the statements and the police said there had been no reports.
Co-ordinator Kevin Sauntry said it was an "unjust rumour" and the damage done was "enormous".
It is thought the schools acted after seeing information on social media.
Staffordshire Police said following "speculation" around the event, it has "never had a specific operation in respect of child sexual exploitation (CSE) at this location".
A letter one of the school sent out to parents last week
Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: "Any event in the city centre is subject to checks by a number of partners, including the police, ourselves and others for all elements of public safety. This includes Winter Wonderland."
Mr Sauntry told the BBC the local family behind the event, which opened last Thursday in Hanley, were "devastated" by the claims.
"Winter Wonderland is owned by a mum, dad, children and an auntie... and employs 80 local people at a much-needed time," he said.
"They do not deserve this."
He said he was angry that the schools did not check with police or the city council for verification before sending out their warnings last week, just days before the attraction started.
The false claims have since led to family members being abused and threatened, he added.
One of the schools said its actions were in the 'best interests' of its pupils