Police investigate cruelty allegations

Police are investigating allegations that a social services home manager abused mentally disabled people in her care.

The middle-aged woman was suspended by Solihull social services, Birmingham, last October after other staff raised concerns about her behaviour. But following complaints to police, West Midlands detectives are investigating allegations of assault and mistreatment. They are understood to include claims that residents were made to stand facing the wall, were confined to their bedrooms for long periods and that personal alarms were let off in their ears. The home, Triumph Walk, was for 17 adults with severe learning difficulties although there are only 13 in residence. Michael Hake, the social services director, said suspension did not mean any finding of wrong-doing.