TEN people have been arrested in connection with allegations of abuse at Whorlton Hall, police have confirmed.
The hospital, which caters for people with learning difficulties and complex needs, has been closed and was subject to a BBC Panorama undercover investigation.
A spokesperson for Durham police said a criminal investigation was launched in relation to “material revealed by the BBC, which included allegations of physical and psychological abuse of patients”.
The arrests were carried out by uniformed officers, alongside Major Crime Team investigators today in Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Stockton.
The spokesperson confirmed that the seven men and three women are Whorlton Hall staff members and are currently being questioned about offences relating to abuse and neglect.
The spokesperson added: “As this is an ongoing inquiry, we are unable to comment further at this time, other than to repeat that our immediate priority has been to work with other agencies to safeguard the victims at the centre of the allegations and their families.
“The investigation is at an early stage and is expected to take some time to complete."
The spokesperson said police are looking for co-operation from the BBC production team in providing more evidence.
Those arrested will be released under investigation while inquiries continue, the spokesperson concluded.
