SALFORD CARERS ARRESTED OVER 'SEX ABUSE'

The following article by Neil Keeling appeared in the Manchester Evening News.

Two carers were arrested after allegations of sexual abuse were made against Salford Social Services staff. The two male workers were arrested by detectives investigating claims that a physically disabled man had been indecently assaulted.

It is alleged the man, in this 30s, was assaulted at his home in the Salford area where he regularly received visits under a care-in-the-community scheme. The arrested men are both married. They are due to be interviewed about allegations of gross indecency. A joint inquiry is being carried out by police and social services bosses into the claims. It is alleged the abuse took place over several months. The alleged victim is severely disabled, with limited movement to his arms and no movement in his legs, he is mentally alert.

Police were informed after the alleged victim's mother became concerned about the nature of the carers behaviour towards her son. One of the carers had been working at the address for two years and the second man started a few months ago to help with the alleged victim's care.

Officers specially trained in interviewing vulnerable people have been assigned to the investigation. The victim was visited at his home by the carers who helped with bathing, dressing, cleaning and the preparation of meals.

Both carers work for Salford Social Services.

The alleged victim has had the support of his family to cope with his disabilities and they are understood to be devastated by the abuse claim.

Eve Murphy, assistant director of Salford Social Services said: "Concerns were raised about the conduct of two home-care staff. As a result of allegations, the manager responsible for these staff requested a suspension hearing. Following that hearing two members of staff were suspended from duty immediately to allow for a thorough investigation. An independent investigator undertook that and as a result the matter was referred to the police.