THE Crown Prosecution Service is reviewing evidence into claims of historical abuse at a former Atherton care home.

Investigations into complaints of sexual and physical abuse at Wood End Assessment Centre, Atherton between the 1970s and 1990s began in January.

Since the start of April, police have contacted 41 alleged victims and eight suspects have been interviewed under caution.

Lancashire County Council opened Wood End in 1969 as a remand home for boys aged between 10 and 17, but many were sent there were from dysfunctional families or while in the care of social services.

Wigan Council took it over in 1974 when it took boys on remand as well as those deemed at risk of potential criminal behaviour.

Both authorities are co-operating with a police probe, sparked by complaints from former residents.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We are currently in consultation with the CPS over a number of files relating to this investigation.

"The files relate to multiple victims and multiple allegations, of offences including physical assault and some allegations of a sexual nature."

The centre was used to house children from across the North West who were sent there by councils and criminal courts to be assessed.

Of 35 complaints received at the start of the year as part of Operation Milan, nine have been investigated previously and in all cases there was deemed to be insufficient evidence to investigate further.

Two of the five suspects identified in relation to the investigation in Woodend had been interviewed under caution at the start of the year.

Operation Milan has been merged with other GMP investigations into historic abuse including at Knowl View Residential School in Rochdale and Rose Hill and Broome House care homes in Manchester.

In January, Donna Hall, Wigan Council chief executive, said: “There have been three previous police investigations following allegations of abuse at Woodend. We recognise this is a very difficult period for those involved and will continue to help the police with their investigations.”

The police investigation continues.