Jersey man in abuse probe arrest

Jersey Police said the man is helping inquiries dating back to the 1960s

Police investigating allegations of historic abuse in Jersey have arrested a 68-year-old man on the island, they have confirmed.

Jersey Police said the unnamed man was helping with inquiries on rape and indecent assault allegations dating back to the 1960s and 1970s.

The arrest was not directly connected to checks on abuse claims at a former children's home since the 1960s.

More than 100 people have claimed abuse at Haut de la Garenne.

Two cellar rooms at the former home are being examined by investigators.

Bone and teeth fragments were found there in underground rooms.

Officers have been investigating the four cellars referred to as "punishment rooms" by alleged victims.

In 2006, covert investigations began following claims by former residents of sexual and physical abuse of children, dating back to the 1960s.

Earlier this month the case against the first man to be charged in connection with the care home abuse allegations was adjourned until 12 May.

Gordon Wateridge, 76, has been charged with indecently assaulting three girls under the age of 16.

He formerly worked as a warden at Haut de la Garenne, which was closed as a children's home in 1986.

Although he worked there, his arrest was unconnected with the discovery of a fragment of a child's skull at the former children's home and the ongoing forensic search there.