A FULL-SCALE investigation into allegations of sexual abuse of children in Lancashire over 30 years was launched earlier this week.

Lancashire Constabulary confirmed on Monday (July10) that they were conducting a major inquiry into abuse at a total of seven children's homes, residential schools and care establishments across the county, which could include Blackpool. It will focus on eleven alleged offenders who are still working with young children and therefore may still pose a threat to their safety. Allegations made against people no longer working with children will also be looked into.

A specially compiled team of detectives will conduct the inquiry, code-named Operation Nevada, and it will be led by Det Chief Insp Kevin Duffy and Det Insp Steve Marston of Lancashire Constabulary. Det Insp Marston said: "The purpose of Operation Nevada is to establish whether there has been a problem of historic institutionalised sexual abuse in Lancashire "

"As other neighbouring forces have investigated allegations, some of their cases have had implications for the Lancashire area and it is these, as well as other allegations about other establishments that have come to light, that will form the base for the initial enquiries." He went on to say the investigation could involve a number of establishments across the county, including some which have been closed for years but the staff have moved on to work elsewhere.

Police chiefs also encouraged people to come forward and ring a special telephone number if they were sexually abused while in care or at school in Lancashire, and they have received a number of calls since the appeal.

Det Insp Steve Marston said more than 60 calls have been taken already, all of which will need following up. "The calls were from a range of people -- some were tearful victims, others had information about schools they attended. "We also had calls from past workers who gave information about their peers. Some of the names given have already been linked to previous complaints."

If anyone still has information they can call the Operation Nevada hotline on (01772) 410544.