02 Mar 2015
Operation Almond is a Dyfed-Powys Police investigation into allegations of physical and sexual abuse of children at Rhydygors School in Carmarthen, during the years spanning 1976 to 1986.
This operation focusses on allegations made in 2000, and also in 2012.
In relation to the 2000 allegations, these were fully investigated at the time and referred to the Crown Prosecution Service; however no criminal proceedings were instigated at that time.
In 2012, further allegations were made, which include a report of abuse at a care home, namely Cartref-y-Gelli in Carmarthen between 1986 and 1990.
It is important to note that all allegations made concern members of staff who no longer work at Rhydygors School, and Cartref-y-Gelli care home has been closed for a number of years.
Following an initial assessment of allegations received in 2012, and following consultation with the CPS, a new criminal investigation commenced with the remit to investigate all allegations made in 2012, and to also encompass previous allegations made.
Under Operation Almond, a dedicated team of specialist investigators has been set-up to ensure a thorough investigation is undertaken into the allegations made, and also to ensure that support is provided for the victims who have already been identified, which is currently in excess of 20.
Six people have been arrested as part of the investigation and interviews with other identified suspects are planned in due course. The investigation is on-going.
Dyfed Powys Police are working closely with partner agencies as part of this investigation and the safety, welfare and protection of vulnerable people remain an absolute priority of all the organisations involved.
Anyone affected by abuse should not suffer in silence. Information and advice is available from:
Police on 101 www.dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk
Childrens Commissioner for Wales on 0808 801 1000 www.childcomwales.org.uk
NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 www.nspcc.org.uk
or speak to someone you trust
02.03.15
