A TEAM of specialist detectives has been launched following serious allegations of child sexual abuse and exploitation in West Cumbria.

A group calling themselves The Victims of Whitehaven School has written to various organisations, including The Whitehaven News, making accusations of historic abuse, threats and rape.

They claim the allegations relate to the former Whitehaven School as well as the now-named Whitehaven Academy.

It states: “As the media are pushing this topic constantly with several groups and famous celebrities getting the justice they deserve and the victims getting compensation, it has helped us come together and think to ourselves that we [too] should be getting compensation for our lives [which] they destroyed.”

After being alerted to the letter, Cumbria Constabulary has joined forces with partner agencies to immediately look into the claims.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dean Holden, Head of Crime and Safeguarding at Cumbria Constabulary, said: “The constabulary has established a multi-agency response with partner agencies to fully investigate the allegations, and address any safeguarding interventions that are required.

“The constabulary has not previously received any complaints or allegations in relation to these matters or received a direct copy of the letter.

“However, having been made aware of the allegations by other organisations, the constabulary has implemented a robust investigative response with suitably trained detectives.

“Cumbria Constabulary takes any and all matters involving the safeguarding of children and young people seriously. We are committed to ensuring that any such allegations involving the safety and wellbeing of children are subject of thorough investigation.”

Lorrayne Hughes, chief executive of Cumbria Education Trust of which Whitehaven Academy is a part, said: “A letter from an, as yet unidentifiable source, has been sent to a number of organisations including ourselves. It makes serious but unspecific allegations.

“We have been liaising with Cumbria Constabulary and other partners to establish whether the allegations have any foundation.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safeguarding of children and young people.

“Allegations of this nature are understandably taken extremely seriously by all parties and we will assist this investigation in any way we can.”

Anyone who wishes to report a crime or provide information can call police on 101, email 101@cumbria.police.uk, or visit the Cumbria Constabulary website.