DETECTIVES in Lancashire investigating allegations of sexual abuse in children's homes, residential schools and care establishments are currently following up 35 allegations.

Operation Nevada was launched in July 10 with the purpose of establishing whether or not there has been a problem of historic institutionalised sexual abuse in the country.

Detective Inspector Steve Marston is one of the officers leading the inquiry, he said: "Since launching the enquiry two months ago the investigating team has taken more than 140 calls and interviewed more than 150 people nation-wide.

"At the start of the investigation we had a number of leads to follow up as a result of our own earlier investigations from neighbouring forces but having publicly launched Operation Nevada many more allegations have come to light. We are currently investigating allegations made against 30 people who worked in children's homes, residential schools and care establishments.

"It is still too easy to say that Lancashire did have a problem of historic institutionalised sexual abuse. The focus of the enquiry is to investigate the career histories of the people we have received complaints about and to find out where they are now.

"We are currently in the process of tracing approximately 800 former residents and staff from establishments across the county who we believe may have information that will assist the enquiry.

"The majority of the calls we have taken so far have been from people telling us they were abused and we would encourage people who have not yet called us to do so. We are particularly interested in speaking to staff and care workers who still are or were working in the care arena in Lancashire in the 1970's, 1980's and 1990's

"All calls will be dealt with by specially trained officers who have extensive experience of investigations of this kind. The number for people to ring is 01772 410544."