TWO staff members at a special school on the outskirts of Bolton have been charged with the neglect and assault of a pupil. A third staff member at the NCH Action For Children Crowthorn Special School was today still the subject of a police inquiry. Members of the Lancashire Constabulary Family Protection Syndicate were called to the Edgworth school after a complaint by another member of staff.

The school is a residential unit operated by the National Children's Home Action For Children charity which takes youngsters with learning difficulties and behavioural problems from a large area of the North-west. The workers, a man and woman, have been bailed by police to appear before Blackburn magistrates on February 26. Police say they are both from Greater Manchester but have refused to specify which town.

A Lancashire police spokesman said: "Two members of staff at Crowthorn Special School have been charged with neglect and assault after an inquiry by the Lancashire Family Protection Syndicate."

He added that the two were among a number of people at the school interviewed after complaints by a fellow member of staff.

"A third member of staff is still due to be interviewed."

A spokesman for NCH Action For Children said three members of staff were suspended when allegations were made to a manager by another member of staff.

She added: "The charity took this very seriously indeed and contacted the local social services, leading to an investigation by the police with which NCH Action For Children is co-operating fully. NCH Action For Children is unable to make further comment at this stage."

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