DETECTIVES involved in a huge inquiry into allegations of sex abuse in Lancashire children's homes say their inquiries now centre on 30 people.

Operation Nevada was launched two months ago, focusing on allegations of abuse stretching back more than 30 years.

A team of specially trained officers has been set up to investigate the claims of abuse, alleged to have taken place in seven County Council-run care homes.

Officers have already interviewed more than 150 people and are hoping to track down at least 800 former residents and care staff.

The aim of the investigation is to discover whether there is a history of institutionalised sexual abuse in Lancashire.

Detective Inspector Steve Marston, the man who led the investigation into claims of abuse at Stonyhurst College, is leading the inquiry.

He said: "Since launching the inquiry two months ago our team has taken more than 140 calls and interviewed more than 150 people nationwide.

"At the start we had a number of leads to follow up as a result of our own earlier investigations and those of neighbouring forces.

"Having publicly launched Operation Nevada many more allegations have come to light."

Det Insp Marston said: "We are now investigating complaints against thirty people who worked in children's homes, residential schools and care establishments.The focus of the inquiry is to investigate the career histories of the people we have received complaints about and to find out where they are now.

"We would encourage people who have not yet called us to do so. We want to speak to staff and care workers who still or were working in the care arena in Lancashire in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s."

All calls will be dealt with by officers experienced in investigations of this kind and the number to ring is 01772 410544.