FIVE teeth and fragments of bone have been discovered at Haut de la Garenne.
The discoveries were made by police working in the vicinity of cellars three and four at the former children’s home in Jersey which is at the centre of child-abuse investigations. It is not yet known if the bone is human or animal, but police have said that the teeth are a child’s, thought to be from one aged four or five.
Whether they are from one or more child has yet to be determined. They are undergoing examination in the UK, including carbon dating and possibly DNA testing.
‘The States of Jersey Police can confirm that the teeth and the bone fragments found in the vicinity of cellars three and four have undergone initial examination in the UK,’ said a spokeswoman. ‘There have now been a total of five teeth found. Three were found last week, while two were found the week before.’
She said police were not expecting any update from the further tests until the beginning of next week and refused to comment on the preliminary results.
The 18-month investigation into claims of sexual and physical abuse of children at Haut de la Garenne was stepped up in February after police found the partial remains of a child’s skull buried at the home.
During the excavation of four underground rooms, police have found a number of items including shackles and a bath, which they say corroborate claims made by victims.
So far, only Gordon Wateridge has been arrested in connection with the investigation.
The 76-year-old is charged with three offences of indecent assault on girls under 16 between 1969 and 1979 when he was a warden at the home.
He appeared in Jersey Magistrate’s Court on Monday and his case was adjourned for further hearings on 9 June and 7 July.
No plea has been entered.
Article posted on 14th May, 2008 - 1.00pm
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