POLICE have confirmed that are investigating ‘serious’ blackmail allegations related to the Haut de la Garenne child abuse inquiry.

Deputy police chief Lenny Harper said they have received reports that a victim was recently approached by a former care worker.

Mr Harper said that the allegations were being investigated as a serious criminal offence that could lead to charges of trying to pervert the course of justice.

It has been reported that a female former worker tried to silence a 38-year-old victim when he claimed he had been subjected to horrific sexual attacks.

The man, known as Steve, has said: ‘This person suggested I have a good life, a very good job, a family, I’ve left the Island, it’s all in the past and that dredging it up won’t help matters – it will cause more problems.

‘I said I’d already spoken to the police about it and she said if they speak to you again, certainly about the remains, it would be in my best interests to say, “I’ve told you all I know” and keep a low profile.’