Five men have been arrested on suspicion of child abuse offences after an inquiry into historical allegations involving a former hospital worker.

One of the suspects, aged 42, was arrested in Bradford. Four others were arrested in Northampton and Kettering.

Northamptonshire Police said two men aged 83 and 59 were arrested by officers executing a warrant at an address in Northampton shortly after 8am today (Wednesday).

As part of the same investigation a 49-year-old man was arrested at a separate address in Northampton, while a man aged 66 was detained at a property in Kettering.

Teams of specialist officers have spent the day searching the addresses where the warrants were executed.

Dectective Inspector Pete Long, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s Major Crime Team, said: “In January this year, we launched an investigation after receiving intelligence about possible incidents of non-recent abuse at an address in Northampton.

“During those inquiries, it came to light that one of the suspects was a former member of staff at St Andrew’s Hospital, Northampton, between 1979 and 1986.

“This inquiry is ongoing and it would be therefore inappropriate for us to comment further.

“However, today’s operation demonstrates our continued determination to investigate all allegations of sexual abuse involving children, no matter how long ago they happened, and we would urge anyone with information to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101.”