Two Arrests Made As Part Of Operation Seabrook

Specialist abuse lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have welcomed the progress being made in the investigation into physical and sexual abuse at Medomsley detention centre, County Durham, in the 1970s and 80s.

Durham police have confirmed two former prison officers have been arrested on suspicion of abusing young boys the centre at part of Operation Seabrook.

The operation was launched in August 2013 after a number of men came forward with allegations of abuse at Medomsley. Now, 1,123 men have contacted the police to report they were abused while detained at the County Durham facility.

A further 14 former members of staff have been interviewed by officers investigating abuse at the facility. DS Paul Goundry, who leads the operation, said more Medomsley staff will be spoken to in the coming months as the investigation continues.

Emma Crowther, an expert abuse lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office, representing a number of former Medomsley detainees, said: 

Expert Opinion

The latest arrests made in the operation indicate progress is being made and that those who suffered abuse at Medomsley are closer to getting the answers they need. <br/> <br/>“While the progress is positive, the main priority is to ensure survivors of abuse are able to access the help and support they need to overcome the physical and psychological scars they have been left with. <br/> <br/>“We hope the investigation continues to progress and anyone found responsible for committing physical and sexual abuse decades ago at Medomsley are held responsible for their actions. Emma Crowther - Senior Associate