Police make arrests over historical abuse claims in Fermanagh

A NUMBER of people have been arrested in connection with an investigation into a string of claims of historical child sex abuse in Co Fermanagh.

The Impartial Reporter newspaper has over recent months covered stories from people who claim they were abused by figures in the community.

The PSNI said it could not go into detail about the nature of the arrests or the people involved because the investigation was live and ongoing.

“We want to give reassurance to both the victims and the local community that we are actively working on the reports made to us in recent months,” a spokesperson for the force added.

“Public protection detectives continue to thoroughly investigate the reports and are focused on gathering relevant evidence.

“It is to be welcomed that victims have felt confident (enough) to come forward over recent months and speak to us about their experiences. Their wellbeing is our priority.

“Our working relationships with partner agencies, including both local and regional support services, have been essential in ensuring that victims receive the help and support that they need.”

Impartial Reporter’s deputy editor Rodney Edwards has covered the claims in depth and has spoken to people who allege they were abused by prominent figures in the community.

This week’s edition of the newspaper includes an interview with a woman who claims to have been abused by an RUC officer when she was 14.

More than 70 people have approached the paper with stories.

The PSNI said: “We are aware of recent media coverage and ongoing commentary and speculation in the Fermanagh area.

“We would continue to reach out to victims, as we have done in all our previous appeals, (and) to encourage anyone with information that may not have been disclosed to police already to please make that information available to us.

“We treat every allegation of sexual abuse seriously and we remain dedicated to ensuring that our investigations are thorough and gather all relevant information and that victims are treated with the utmost sensitivity.

“We would urge anyone with any information about historical sexual abuse to come forward and contact police and seek professional support through our specialist detectives or through one of the dedicated support services (for) victims.

“You do not have to come to a police station to make a report. Detectives can arrange to meet you at a time and place that best suits you.”

Police can be contacted on 101 or through the dedicated email address historicalabuse@psni. pnn.police.uk.

Support services are also available through the 24-Hour Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline on 0808 802 1414.