Preston Police have opened a historic sexual offences investigation into allegations of abuse and sexual offences at a children’s home.

Christopher Hartley, 56, of Denham Avenue, Warrington, is accused of historic offences at the Harris Children’s Home in Garstang Road, Fulwood.

Hartley is accused of attempted rape, seven counts of indecent assault and four counts of inciting a girl to commit an act of gross indecency.

The charges span a six year period from 1972 and 1978 and involve four girls who were aged between eight to 16 at the time.

The home, which was previously an orphanage, was closed in 1982. It became the Harris Conference Centre before being sold to the Bhailok family as private homes.

Hartley is due to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 23 February.