Herts police are investigating reports of physical and sexual abuse against patients who were at a St Albans hospital between the 1960s and 1990s.

The patients were allegedly abused at Hill End Hospital Adolescent Unit between 1969 and 1995, when the facility closed. According to police, the full scale of the investigation and the number of victims involved is unclear.

Anyone who has any information which can help with the investigation is asked to contact police as part of ‘Operation Meadow’.

Web pages dedicated to Operation Meadow went live today and provide details about the investigation and the range of reporting options available, as well as support services which can be accessed.

Assistant Chief Constable Bill Jephson said: “Hertfordshire Constabulary takes all reports of child abuse seriously, no matter how long ago the offence may have occurred.

“We have officers who are specially trained to deal with these type of crimes while supporting victims in a sensitive, empathetic and caring manner.

“Those who believe they have been a victim of this type of abuse are encouraged to make contact with police by calling 101, using our online reporting option through the Op Meadow web pages, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

The police are joining up with NHS partners, support services and charities to offer help to any victims who come forward.

To access the Operation Meadow web pages go to: https://www.herts.police.uk/Information-and-services/Victim-services/Operation-Meadow/Operation-Meadow-investigation-into-Hill-End-Adolescent-Unit-in-St-Albans-Hertfordshire.aspx

To contact Herts Police with any queries regarding Operation Meadow email opmeadow@herts.pnn.police.uk. The address wil be monitored seven days a week and specialist officers will contact any reporting person within 72 hour of initial contact.