POLICE have charged five people in connection with reports of non-recent abuse in South Cumbria residential schools.

The following have been charged today (January 12) as part of Operation Tweed – an investigation commenced by Cumbria Constabulary in July 2014:

         Errol Mayer, 72, of New Road, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, has been charged with 18 counts of assault ABH (actual bodily harm) and ten charges of child cruelty;

         John Studley, 64, of Maryland Close, Silverdale, Lancashire, has been charged with one count of assault ABH;

         Frederick Taylor, 74, of Lower Park Royd Drive, Sowerby Bridge, Calderdale, has been charged with one count of assault ABH;

         James Farish, 57, of Oakwood, Kendal, Cumbria, has been charged with one count of assault ABH;

         David Hadwin, 70, of Raygarth Road, Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, has been charged with one count of assault ABH.

The above have all been charged in relation to offences reported to have taken place at Underley Hall School, Kirkby Lonsdale.

All five have been bailed to appear at South Cumbria Magistrates Court on February 15th 2017.