Three boarding schools investigated after more than 80 former pupils claimed they were subjected to 'horrific' regime of cruelty, beatings and sexual abuse in the 1970s and 1980s

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More than 80 potential victims have been interviewed in connection with allegations of abuse at three former boys' boarding schools.

Police are investigating allegations of physical and sexual abuse at two boarding schools in Gloucestershire and one in Wiltshire used by social services in the 1970s and 1980s. 

The investigation involves pupils who attended Badgeworth Court and Dowdeswell Court, near Cheltenham, along with Clouds House, in Wiltshire, who claim they suffered 'horrific' abuse while at school during the period. 

The schools closed in the late 1980s.

More than 80 potential victims have been interviewed in connection with allegations of abuse at three former boys' boarding schools. The investigation involves pupils who attended Badgeworth Court, in Cheltenham. The school closed in the 1980s

Dowdeswell Court, near Cheltenham, is also at the centre of historical allegations of abuse. Staff who worked at the schools during the period under investigation have 'categorically denied' any involvement in abuse

Police say they hope to bring the case to the Crown Prosecution Service early next year.

Staff who worked at the schools during the period under investigation have 'categorically denied' any involvement in abuse.

In 2000 the former owner of the schools, Anthony Hurley, appeared in court on allegations of cruelty and sexual abuse of children, but was deemed unfit to stand trial.

He died in 2003. 

Former pupils at the school claim the headteacher oversaw a regime of terror and beatings, the BBC reports. 

Clouds House, in Wiltshire. In 2000 the former owner of the schools, Anthony Hurley, appeared in court on allegations of cruelty and sexual abuse of children, but was deemed unfit to stand trial. He died in 2003

Det Ch Insp Steve Porter, from Gloucestershire Police, said the force was assessing whether there was enough evidence to bring a prosecution: 'We've managed to trace and to interview over 80 potential victims so far.' 

Wiltshire Council said it would 'constantly work with our partners to ensure safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do'.

'Once we have received details of any specific allegation we will investigate it thoroughly.'

Gloucestershire County Council, said: 'Badgeworth Court School was a privately-run school.

'It was not regulated by the council, however we did place children there, alongside other local councils.

'We became aware of allegations involving staff in the early 1970s and stopped using the school afterwards.'