TWO men have been arrested by police investigating allegations of both sexual and physical abuse against boys at a former children’s remand centre in Baildon.

Around 100 complainants have now come forward alleging they were abused as boys while at Bradford Council-run Tong Park Remand Centre in a period spanning three decades.

The Telegraph & Argus first reported in September 2015 that an investigation was taking place.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police has confirmed two men, both aged 77, have been arrested and bailed bail as the inquiry continues.

West Yorkshire Police has also submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration.

The allegations relate to dates between the 1960s and 1990s. The centre closed in 1995.

Molly Frost, a lawyer for Jordans Solicitors based in Dewsbury, who is involved in civil litigation about conditions at Tong Park Remand Centre, said: “The majority of the allegations relate to physical abuse.

“Virtually every claimant gives the same account of the harsh regime at Tong Park, excessive PE and punishments.

“The complaints are also of physical assaults by staff, often resulting in pain or injuries, although it is difficult to evidence injuries now and this is just based on claimants accounts.

“There are also allegations of sexual abuse.

“We always refer individuals who approach us to the police if they have not already made a report, it is then a matter for them and the police.

“We have to be mindful of the police investigation as we do not want to interfere with the criminal process.”

Mrs Frost said among the claims of physical abuse were that boys were made to stand towards a wall and hold a coin against the wall with their nose.

The boy would be physically punished if the coin dropped to the floor.

She added: “The civil cases are issued in the Leeds County Court and are case managed by a designated civil judge. There is no trial date fixed in the civil cases. Some cases are further progressed than others.

“Currently the court approved the selection of eight lead cases with the intention that these are heard first. It would be impossible to hear all the civil claims at once.

“The outcome of lead cases can then be used by the parties to assist in the resolution of the other cases without recourse to a further trial.

“Of the 100 or so cases brought to us, around 20 per cent relate to sexual assault allegations.

“The group is still open to new claims so it is not too late for individuals to join the group litigation.

A Bradford Council spokesman said: “We cannot comment on individual cases but the Council and West Yorkshire Police are working together to protect current victims of child sexual exploitation and are investigating historical claims.

“Child sexual abuse needs to be identified and all perpetrators of child sexual exploitation must be pursued and prosecuted, no matter when the abuse took place.”