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Sir Cyril Smith abuse claims: Blue plaque taken down | Sir Cyril Smith abuse claims: Blue plaque taken down |
(about 1 hour later) | |
A blue plaque honouring the late Rochdale MP Sir Cyril Smith has been taken down following allegations that he indecently assaulted young boys. | A blue plaque honouring the late Rochdale MP Sir Cyril Smith has been taken down following allegations that he indecently assaulted young boys. |
The council said removing the plaque from Rochdale Town Hall was a "neutral act" to prevent vandalism. | |
On Tuesday, Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk called for a "full investigation" into allegations that Sir Cyril indecently assaulted boys in care. | On Tuesday, Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk called for a "full investigation" into allegations that Sir Cyril indecently assaulted boys in care. |
Sir Cyril's brother said the former MP had denied the allegations. | Sir Cyril's brother said the former MP had denied the allegations. |
The plaque was unveiled last year by former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell. | |
Councillor Colin Lambert (Labour), the leader of Rochdale Council, said: "This is not a judgement on either Sir Cyril Smith or anyone else." | |
He added: "We discussed this at a meeting last night and had decided to leave it up but we received information that it could be damaged overnight and took it down because this would be a danger to the town hall." | He added: "We discussed this at a meeting last night and had decided to leave it up but we received information that it could be damaged overnight and took it down because this would be a danger to the town hall." |
On Wednesday Barry Fitton, one of three alleged victims from a Rochdale care home, claimed that the former MP smacked him and stroked his buttocks. | On Wednesday Barry Fitton, one of three alleged victims from a Rochdale care home, claimed that the former MP smacked him and stroked his buttocks. |
'Historic abuse' | 'Historic abuse' |
Mr Danczuk (Labour) told the Commons that claims against the late MP had "circulated for years". | Mr Danczuk (Labour) told the Commons that claims against the late MP had "circulated for years". |
Lancashire Police said an investigation was "believed" to have taken place in the 1960s, but "no records are held". | Lancashire Police said an investigation was "believed" to have taken place in the 1960s, but "no records are held". |
Mr Danczuk said police "should consider reopening the case". | Mr Danczuk said police "should consider reopening the case". |
Manchester-based solicitors Pannone confirmed they were currently dealing with an allegation of abuse against Sir Cyril, who died in 2010. | Manchester-based solicitors Pannone confirmed they were currently dealing with an allegation of abuse against Sir Cyril, who died in 2010. |