Focus is on bricked-up cellar in Jersey home

JERSEY: JERSEY POLICE were last night trying to smash their way into a bricked-up cellar in search of more remains at the former…

JERSEY:JERSEY POLICE were last night trying to smash their way into a bricked-up cellar in search of more remains at the former children's home where a skull was dug up on Saturday.

Lenny Harper, the police officer in charge, has said he fears that six or more bodies may be buried in and around the building. Yesterday he confirmed that police had a list of missing children who they think may be relevant. "There are a number of names that we have got but . . . we can't connect any of them [to the inquiry] at this moment in time," he said.

The basement at the Haut de la Garenne children's home has been filled with concrete and bricked up, but a sniffer dog trained to detect human remains has indicated that more bodies may be hidden.

Historical records show children at the home were forced into solitary confinement, but when asked if the cellar was used for this purpose Mr Harper declined to comment.

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The dog has also identified several potential spots in the courtyard of the property which may well be dug up.

Another 10 people, from Jersey and the UK, have contacted police over the weekend claiming to have been abused at the home, which closed in 1986 and has since been turned into a youth hostel.

- (Guardian service)