Stanhope Castle approved school sex claims investigated

Police are investigating claims of historical sex abuse at an approved school for boys in County Durham.

Three people have alleged they were victims of sexual assaults at Stanhope Castle in the 1950s and early 1970s.

Durham Police said the allegations did not relate to former members of staff, but to a male and a female who had access to the school premises.

The school closed in the 1980s and the Grade II-listed building has been turned into apartment into flats.

Durham Police said in a statement: "We are currently investigating three separate reports from complainants alleging they were the victims of sexual offences while they were at the school."