A CRIMINAL investigation could be launched against former members of staff at a North Yorkshire children’s home after two separate reports of abuse.

North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire County Council have begun a “thorough investigation” into practices at The Close children’s home in Brompton, near Northallerton, which closed in the 1990s.

A woman has come forward claiming a female staff member at The Close had a sexual relationship with her while she was under local authority care in the late 1980s. A different woman made allegations last year that a male member of staff had a relationship with her in the early 1990s.

The second victim claimed two other staff members knew about her relationship but kept it secret until managers found out, when the worker involved was asked to resign.

A joint statement from North Yorkshire Police and the county council said a “multi-agency meeting” was held on December 18 regarding the complaints and they were being taken “very seriously”.

It said a “thorough investigation” would look at whether any crimes had been committed and what action should be taken.