10 arrests after abuse allegations at Whorlton Hall

BBC Panorama aired a programme last week, showing undercover footage of staff mocking, intimidating and restraining residents of the unit.

10 members of staff - 7 men and 3 women - have been arrested over allegations of abuse to residents of Whorlton Hall, says BBC News.

This follows on from the BBC Panorama programme aired last week, showing undercover footage of residents being mocked, intimidated and restrained by staff.

There had been over 100 visits from official agencies before the abuse came to light.

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Previous inspections had highlighted inadequate training and that staff were working up to 24-hour shifts at a time.

Durham Police have released information, saying that those arrested are being questioned over abuse and neglect at the privately run, NHS-funded site.

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A spokesman of investigations said that these investigations will take time, however, "immediate priority has been to work with other agencies to safeguard the victims at the centre of the allegations and their families".

He also added that those arrested will be released under investigation pending further inquiries, according to BBC News.

The force is seeking help from Panorama to gather further evidence.

Cygnet, the firm who ran Whorlton Hall, said it was “deeply saddened and shocked” by the allegations.

Cygnet only took over running the 17-bed unit for adults with learning disabilities at the turn of the year and has said that they are “cooperating fully” with police inquiries.

All the patients are now in the care of other facilities.

Care minister Caroline Dinenage told the House of Commons this week she was "deeply sorry that this has happened", says BBC News.