Group of 75 former pupils sue council over alleged abuse at special school

A group of 75 former pupils have launched legal proceedings against a county council for compensation for abuse they say they suffered at school.

The claimants were pupils at Oakwood School in Stowmarket at various times in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

The school, which was opened in 1974 for pupils with emotional and behavioural difficulties, was owned and managed by Suffolk County Council. It was shut down in 1999.

The claimants allege that they suffered physical, emotional and – in some cases – sexual abuse.

Suffolk has 28 days in which to file a defence.

The claimants’ lawyer, Andrew Grove of Andrew Grove & Co Solicitors, said: “The county council must confront these serious allegations of an institutionalised violent regime at Oakwood where harm became the norm.”

A spokesman for Suffolk County Council said: “It would be inappropriate for us to comment during a police investigation. We would however urge people who feel they have any relevant information to contact police to help with their inquiries.”

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said it had received 63 complaints and was conducting an “ongoing and lengthy” investigation. No arrests have yet been made.