Two arrested in residential care assault probe

Two men have been arrested after allegations of assault at a residential facility for young people with special educational needs.

The men, aged 34 and 41, were questioned on Tuesday on suspicion of common assault and ill treatment and/or wilfully neglecting an individual, following an investigation at Acacia Hall in Friesthorpe.

Lincolnshire Police said the men have been released on bail and the force is working with the local authorities as they investigate the allegations.

A spokesperson for the Kisimul Group said it was cooperating with police and added: "The safety and wellbeing of the children and young people in our care remains our absolute priority."

In April, Ofsted confirmed it had suspended the residential licence for the facility which provides care and education for young people with autism, learning disabilities and complex needs, aged between 14 and 20.

The Kisimul Group said it had taken immediate action following the allegations being raised and had put "enhanced safeguarding and oversight arrangements in place".

It added: "The concerns that led to this investigation were raised through Kisimul's whistleblowing process and were reported to the relevant authorities at the earliest opportunity.

"As this is an active investigation, it would not be appropriate to comment further on individual cases or the detail of the process at this stage."

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