The Christian Brothers in England have appealed to anyone who suffered abuse in their English schools to contact them. The Catholic teaching order, which has publicly apologised to victims of cruelty and sex abuse at its schools in Ireland, yesterday appealed to any victims from its English schools to come forward.
The Christian Brothers said the order is investigating several cases in England. Brother Francis Hall, deputy provincial leader for England, encouraged victims to contact him.
"I'm sure it [the abuse] has happened over the years here in England. We're not aware of a great number of cases, but cases have come to light . . . I think the whole point of this statement in Ireland which we in England share is to bring it to light and face this situation.
"We would welcome now anyone to contact us on (0044) 0161-9040786. We would welcome any calls concerning this matter," he told BBC Radio 4's Sunday programme.
He added later: "One or two cases have come to light in England in the last few years. They are being investigated, but none have come to court to date."
Any new allegations would be referred to the appropriate authorities if that was what the person wanted, he said.
More than 1,000 calls have been made to an Irish help-line since the Christian Brothers made their public apology at the end of March.
The order was founded in 1820 to educate poor Catholics. It has schools in 26 countries.