Second man arrested in Muckamore Abbey hospital investigation

Detectives from the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch investigating the allegations of ill-treatment of patients at Muckamore Abbey hospital have arrested a 33-year-old male this morning.
By Gemma Murray
Published 11th Nov 2019, 14:00 GMT
Muckamore AbbeyMuckamore Abbey
Muckamore Abbey

He was arrested in the Antrim area.

He is the second person to be arrested in the investigation.

A PSNI spokesman said there are no further details at this time.

Muckamore Abbey HospitalMuckamore Abbey Hospital
Muckamore Abbey Hospital
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Officers have been investigating thousands of incidents of alleged abuse at the Co Antrim hospital for people with mental health needs and severe learning disabilities.

More than 30 staff members have been placed on precautionary suspension.

Detectives have been trawling through thousands of hours of CCTV from the hospital wards.

The footage has revealed alleged 1,500 crimes on one ward, police have said.

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A report was commissioned in September 2017, following reports of inappropriate behaviour and alleged physical abuse of patients by staff in two wards.

Reviewers raised concerns about the safeguarding of adults, provision of meaningful activities for patients and physical health care.

Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith previously apologised to families over the alleged abuse.