UPDATED - Two arrested and bailed over assault investigation at children’s care home
Two men who were arrested as part of an assault investigation linked to a children’s care home have been released on bail, say Lincolnshire Police.
Police had been investigating allegations of assault on residents at Acacia Hall in Friesthorpe, near Market Rasen
A police spokesperson announced on Tuesday (May 12) that two men aged 34 and 41 had been arrested on suspicion of common assault and ill treatment and/or wilfully neglecting an individual.
Both men were on released on bail the following day and inquiries are ongoing, say police.
“We continue to work with the local authorities as part of our investigation.”
Acacia Hall offers residential provision for neurodivergent children and young people, who have additional complex learning needs.
Ofsted have also suspended the licence for the residential facility, run by special education and care provider Kisimul, which is based in Swinderby, near Lincoln.
An Ofsted spokesperson said previously: “We can confirm that we have suspended the registration of Acacia Hall.
“We are working closely with other agencies, including the police, as they carry out their investigation.”
The facility has access to extended grounds with various leisure facilities and an onsite small holding with livestock and ponies. Children access nearby Acacia School, also run by Kisimul, as day pupils for their education alongside children from other homes and the children from local authorities.
A spokesperson for Kisimul Group said: “We are aware of the police investigation in connection with Acacia Hall.
“The safety and wellbeing of the children and young people in our care remains our absolute priority. 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.”
They said the group took immediate action, putting enhanced safeguarding and oversight arrangements in place, and continue to cooperate fully with the police and other agencies.
"Before these events, Acacia Hall was rated Good by Ofsted,” they added.
“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.”