Hampshire Constabulary has decided to file away its investigation into alleged sexual abuse at the former Bembridge School pending any further information coming to light.
As exclusively revealed by Island Echo back in April 2021, local detectives have been making enquiries following reports of sexual offences which were alleged to have taken place at Bembridge School in the 1980s.
Operation Seaside was set up by the force to look at whether children at the private independent school were sexually abused.
In July last year, Island Echo also exclusively revealed that 2 people were arrested in 2010 on suspicion of raping a 15-year-old schoolboy in the 1990s. However, no charges were ever brought against them due to a lack of concrete evidence. It’s known that 1 of the accused was jailed in the late 90s for a string of sexual assaults and has since been released from prison.
Police say that all the allegations have been investigated thoroughly and on the basis of all evidence available at this time, a decision has been made to file the investigation.
The force says that if any further information is received that can assist in progressing the investigation, this will be reviewed before a decision is made as to what, if any, further investigative action can be taken.
A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary has said:
“We take all allegations of sexual offences very seriously, particularly those involving children or other members of the community who are most at risk.
Article continues below this advertisement “We would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to report this to us on 101 or via the online reporting tool on our website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/.
“Not everyone has the confidence to speak to police, but there are still independent support services out there that can help you if you have been affected by sexual abuse. For more information, visit https://www.hampshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/support-for-victims-of-rape-and-sexual-assault/“.
The former school, which taught children aged 9-17, has been closed for a number of years, shutting its doors on 23rd September 1997.
Anyone with information or concerns relating to allegations of sexual abuse at Bembridge School is encouraged to report this to Police on 101, quoting ‘Operation Seaside’.
- NAPAC is the National Association for People Abused in Childhood. Trained staff speak with survivors of any type of childhood abuse
- Survivors UK offers a range of support services to men who experienced childhood or adult sexual abuse
- Rape Crisis England and Wales, provide a directory of local support services
- Samaritans is available around the clock 365 days of the year to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair
