Trapdoor backs victims’ claims

Saturday 1st March 2008, 9:28AM GMT.

Police officers have been searching an area some distance from Haut de la Garenne and have found some bones, but because it is farm land they might be from animals. (Picture by Matthew Hotton, Jersey Evening Post, 0543793)

A TRAPDOOR that was described to police by victims of alleged child abuse has been uncovered in Haut de la Garenne, the former Jersey children’s home.

Lenny Harper, the deputy chief officer of Jersey Police, said it took the shape of a gap in the floorboards above the cellar.

‘We have uncovered it,’ he said. ‘It’s a home-made entrance. The trapdoor corroborates various statements given to police by victims.’ Mr Harper said a former resident of the home had given police old plans of it that had helped with the examination of the cellar.