Three arrested amid Walton Hop Disco child abuse probe

Updated

Three suspects have been arrested by Surrey Police over historical child sex offences connected to a disco in the 1970s and 1980s.

Two men, aged 77 and 86 from Walton-on-Thames, and a 70-year-old man from the Bayswater area of London, have been questioned by detectives under Operation Ravine, which is investigating child sex crimes linked to the Walton Hop Disco in Walton-on-Thames.

All three men have been arrested on suspicion of offences against boys under the age of 16, Surrey Police said.

Officers carried out searches of the suspects' homes and the force said it is pursuing a "number of lines of inquiry".

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Karen Mizzi said: "This is a complex investigation into numerous allegations of sexual abuse and assault dating back over several decades.

"Our investigation focuses on the Walton Hop Disco, a popular event for youngsters between the 1970s and 1980s, and we are following a number of lines of inquiry. However, if anyone has information that may help the investigation I would ask them to contact us."

Operation Ravine was established in late 2014 following a review by Merseyside Police into the Surrey Police investigation entitled Operation Arundel which launched in 2000.

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