A regional daily’s probe into a school dubbed the “home of horrors” by a former pupil has prompted detectives have launched a fresh investigation into abuse allegations.

Norfolk Constabulary has confirmed it is investigating fresh claims about the now-defunct Small School at Red House after the Eastern Daily Press revealed new allegations made by former pupils that severe physical abuse had been inflicted upon them during their time there.

The EDP handed a dossier of evidence over to the force after splashing on its investigation in its Friday edition, pictured below.

A previous probe into sexual and physical abuse allegations dating from 1984 to 1990 had been shelved last year, although six of the eight pupils the Norwich-based EDP spoke to attended the school after that date and have never been interviewed by police.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Paul Brown told the EDP: “This information is currently being assessed and a new investigation is being launched based on the further allegations which have been made.

“We would appeal to anyone with information, which has not been previously reported to the police, to make contact either by calling 101 to speak to us, or alternatively by reporting any relevant information using the Major Incident Public Portal.”

Tom Bristow, editor of EDP owner Archant’s investigations unit, previously told HTFP: “Despite previous police investigations, most of the ex-pupils we spoke to have never been interviewed before and are making new allegations about their time there. We felt it was appropriate to hand this information to police in the hope it will help take things forward.

“Some of the stories they told us were horrific but they did not know who to tell having not been believed at the time. I’d like to thank all those ex-pupils who trusted us and were happy for us to share what happened to them. On the back of all this evidence it is clearly time for police to investigate again.”

Former Red House staff who are still alive have not responded to the EDP’s requests for a comment.