Mistreatment allegations result in seven care workers arrested

Devon and Cornwall police have confirmed that seven arrests have been made this week, after assessing the results of an investigation into a number of care homes that were run by Atlas Project Team Ltd.

The police statement confirms that those arrested are four men and three women, who worked at three care homes registered to look after adults with a learning disability.

These homes were Teignmead in Teignbridge, Veilstone in Bideford and Gatooma in Holsworthy, where mistreatment is alleged to have occurred by workers of the now defunct company.

Commenting after the announcement, detective inspector Steve White said: “Throughout the investigation the safety, welfare and protection of vulnerable adults has been and remains the absolute priority of all the organisations involved.

“Due to the nature of the enquiry and complex needs of the victims this investigation will take many months.

“Throughout this time the police will continue to work closely with all agencies involved and the victims and families of those affected will receive ongoing support.”

The individuals arrested are described as four people from Bideford – two men aged 42 and 38, and two women aged 28 and 24 – and three people from Teignmouth – two men aged 67 and 39, and one woman aged 26.

Bail has been granted to all seven adults under investigation, with an update expected in March regarding further proceedings.