Stowmarket Oakwood School pupils sue Suffolk council

A group of 70 former pupils of a Suffolk state boarding school is suing the county council for £4-5m over alleged abuse.

They allege physical, emotional and sexual abuse while they were at Oakwood School, Stowmarket, from 1974 until it was closed in 2000.

Oakwood was a boarding school for boys aged 7-16 who had behavioural and emotional difficulties.

Suffolk County Council said it could not comment further on the case.

'Horror tales'

The claim for compensation has been lodged on behalf of the former pupils by Andrew Grove solicitors.

The solicitors said each of the 70 claimants have their own personal stories to tell of the "horrors of school life" and that "punishments were excessive, staff assaults on pupils were regular and there was a culture where violence became normalised".

Suffolk Police have been investigating the allegations, but no charges have been brought against anyone.

A Suffolk County Council spokesman said: "We have met with police and the case has been referred to them for investigation.

"While we cannot comment any further on the investigation, we would urge people who feel they have any relevant information to contact police to help with their inquiries."

No date has been set for a court hearing.