Authorities and organisations are being urged to cooperate as part of the official investigation into abuse at a former County Durham borstal.

The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman (PPO) has reached the next phase of their inquiry into Medomsley Detention Centre, near Consett, and has launched an official Call for Evidence.

The special investigation has progressed as the Ombudsman’s office are now in the fundamental position to call on authorities and organisations to share the information required.

Prisons and Probation Ombudsman Adrian Usher has made an important plea, asking people to share any information they hold in order to ensure the final report thoroughly and accurately presents the facts.

He said: “I expect all authorities and organisations contacted to fully cooperate.

“Any information obtained will inform new strands within the investigation, so it is vital that anything held is shared with my team so that we can give the victims and survivors the justice they deserve.”

In October 2023 the previous government commissioned the PPO to investigate the abuse that occurred at Medomsley between 1961 and 1987.

The investigation, named Operation Deerness, is investigating what authorities knew about the abuse, whether there were opportunities for authorities to have acted or intervened at that time, and what actions (if any) were taken in such instances.

The PPO asks that any member of the organisations or authorities contacted provide them with a full and prompt response.

Since launching Operation Deerness, the PPO can now reveal they have undertaken a review of almost 2,500 documents, statements, reports and interviews which form part of the investigative material held by Durham Police.

Their cooperation has enabled the Ombudsman’s office to obtain and review key information which has helped the investigation understand the horrific scale of the abuse that occurred as well as the way Medomsley operated during the relevant period.

To date, almost 60 people have contacted the PPO with information and their team has conducted over 30 interviews with victims, staff and witnesses of the abuse.

Richard Tucker, the senior investigator leading the investigation, said: “I want to thank everyone who has come forward and engaged with our investigation so far.

“The team has been massively impacted by the courage of those who have contacted us, and we appreciate how difficult it must be to revisit those memories, especially for those of you who have openly talked about your experiences for the first time.”

The information gathered from the Call for Evidence will be key in shaping the findings of the PPO's final report.

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Ombudsman Adrian Usher said: “The Call for Evidence will help us identify further areas of interest.

“Please provide us with any information that you hold so we can ensure this will not happen again.

“I commit to ensuring that any documentation or information shared with us will be reviewed and pursued during the next phase of our investigation.

“Information shared will not go unread.”

The Call for Evidence will run until September 9.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the PPO by phoning or texting 07511-165-266 or by emailing ppomedomsleyinvestigation@ppo.gov.uk.