THE policeman in charge of the Jersey child abuse inquiry claimed yesterday that criticism of his investigation was a bid to protect the “bucket and spade image” of the island.

The policeman in charge of the Jersey child abuse inquiry claimed today that criticism of his investigation was a bid to protect the “bucket and spade image” of the island.

Jersey police have discovered the partial remains of at least five youngsters at Haut de la Garenne, the former children’s home at the centre of the island’s child abuse investigation, it was revealed.

Evidence has been found in a Second World War bunker which “corroborates” claims by alleged child abuse victims in Jersey, detectives said today.