A NURSERY in South Devon has been shut down amid allegations of sex assaults on children as young as two.

It’s being reported that a member of staff at the Jack and Jill Childcare facility in Torquay has been quizzed and bailed by police probing the claims which first surfaced at the end of July when an immediate arrest was made.

Police, who have not revealed whether the person questioned was male or female, said some 250 hours of CCTV at the nursery had been scrutinised as part of the inquiry.

Subsequent investigations revealed that ’a number of children aged 2+ had been identified as potential victims of contact offences.’

Acting Det Chief Insp James Stock, who made the revelation, said: ’We have now contacted all parents and guardians of children who attended Jack and Jill Childcare in relation to our investigation.

’Specialist officers from the Public Protection Unit, and our colleagues from social services, have visited the parents and guardians of those children we believe may be victims. They will continue to receive multi-agency support in the coming days, weeks and months.’

He added: ’The contact appears to be limited to within the nursery setting and we do not believe that any other member of staff had knowledge of these matters. These appear to be the actions of a lone individual, and the offences do not involve the taking or distributing of any images.’

And he insisted: ’I can provide reassurance that the individual concerned was immediately removed from the setting and given strict bail conditions as part of their release from police custody. They have since been moved out of the force area whilst the investigation continues.

’Following further investigation, a number of concerns around safeguarding matters were raised by is to partner agencies. Ofsted subsequently made the decision to suspend the licence of the nursery while they further investigate those concerns.

’We will continue to work with our partner agencies and those affected by these matters to progress this investigation.’

* A helpline has been set up by the Torbay Safeguarding Children’s Partnership, hosted by the local authority, for anyone who may have concerns.

It can be accessed on 01803 208820 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.