Wisteria Lodge, Coventry, Police Investigation

Police have arrested two men in an investigation into allegations of abuse at a Coventry children’s home.

An inquiry was launched after former residents of Wisteria Lodge, in Earlsdon, made accusations against the two former staff members.

It is understood the arrests relate to a period in the late 1980s.

The pair have already been interviewed and released on bail until May.

Police are keen to speak to anyone else who attended the children’s home, in Earlsdon Avenue South, during the same period.

Coventry City Council-owned Wisteria Lodge was demolished about four years ago.

The land where it once stood, which is close to the junction with Kenilworth Road, remains empty today.

The home was built in 1970 and catered for children in care until it was shut following a review of services for youngsters in care in 2009. When it was closed, it provided eight beds for children over 12 who had been placed into care.

It originally housed a much larger number of youngsters.

A spokesman for the council said: “We are aware of the allegations and are co-operating fully with the police but as a criminal investigation is underway we cannot comment further.”

If you were a resident at Wisteria Lodge in the late eighties, or have any information that may help police with their inquiries, call detectives on 101.

Alternatively if you want to give evidence anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.