Four arrested over Down youth centre abuse

Four men have been arrested as part of a police investigation into historic physical abuse at a youth centre in Co Down.

The men, aged between 42 and 57, were detained by detectives from the PSNI’s public protection unit (PPU).

The allegations relate to a continuing investigation into abuse at the former Rathgael facility in Bangor.

A fifth man has been arrested on suspicion of blackmail at the Lakewood youth facility, also in Bangor.

A PSNI spokeswoman said the men were assisting police with inquiries.

The investigation into Rathgael and Lakewood was launched on January 13.