Police are investigating allegations of historic abuse at Earl Spencer’s School – HFM

An investigation has been launched into allegations of sexual abuse at the boarding school near Market Harborough that Earl Spencer attends.

Princess Diana’s brother claimed in his memoirs published earlier this year that he suffered physical and sexual abuse at the independent Maidwell Hall School in Maidwell in the 1970s.

Northamptonshire Police say they are “in the early stages of investigating a number of recent allegations”.

Earl Spencer attended the school in the 1970s from the age of eight to 13.

A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “Northamptonshire Police takes all allegations of harassment very seriously and where a report is received we will use all available lines of inquiry to help bring perpetrators to justice.

“We would encourage anyone who has experienced violence anywhere in our county to contact us online at northants.police.uk or by calling 101 or 03000 111 222 if calling from outside Northamptonshire.”

A spokesman for Maidwell Hall School previously said the school was “appalled” by the abuse allegations, adding “we are sorry”.

The spokesman also said: “It’s difficult to read about practices that were, unfortunately, sometimes considered normal and acceptable at the time.

“Since the 1970s, there has been a significant evolution in almost every aspect of school life.

“At the heart of these changes is the strict protection of children – protecting them from exploitation and abuse – and promoting their well-being.”

After the allegations came to light, they approached local authorities and encouraged anyone who had had a similar experience to contact them or the police.

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