School staff suspended in cruelty probe

Two members of staff at a school dogged by allegations of cruelty against disabled pupils have been suspended, it emerged tonight.

Belfast Education and Library Board confirmed the move following police inquiries into claims that some former staff of Fleming Fulton School in Belfast subjected children to ill-treatment.

Police probing cruelty allegations between 1977 and 1988 involving pupils who lived in residential chalets in the south Belfast school have taken more than 60 statements.

It has been claimed by some former pupils and their relatives that they were punished for incontinence, or for refusing to eat their meals.

The board has decided to suspend two members of staff pending an investigation.

It is expected to write to parents to try to keep them informed of all developments.

All of the allegations have been put to the Director of Public Prosecutions who must decide whether to allow the matter to go before the courts.