After an initial written statement of complaint has been taken, a dip sample takes place of people who were at the establishment involved

Merseyside Police

A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said: "The operation team use a similar method in each case - after an initial written statement of complaint has been taken, a dip sample takes place of people who were at the establishment involved.

"They are contacted either personally or by letter, to see whether they have any complaint or information about their time in care."

Police say all Operation Care cases are strictly vetted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

A confidential helpline run by Barnardo's provides advice and help for anyone touched by the inquiry.

When the call finally came to say he had been charged I just screamed and threw the phone down

Ann Jones

Among those convicted as a result of Operation Care investigations are John Carroll, a former care home manager who was jailed for 10 years, and one-time house parent Basil Williams-Rigby, who was imprisoned for 12 years.

Before Mr Jones was cleared, there had been only four other acquittals at trial. No further action was taken at the end of 78 investigations.

For those wrongly accused and their families it can be a bitter blow.

Ann Jones, who has been married to her footballer husband for more than 20 years, was at the family's Hampshire home when she received the news that her husband had been charged with nine counts of child abuse.

Constant fear

"When the call finally came to say he had been charged I just screamed and threw the phone down," she said.

"I swore and went out of control."

The mother of four, who was once employed as a child care officer at a special school, said the charges had impacted on the family's life, with the constant fear that the most innocent gesture might be misinterpreted.

"It has been an absolute nightmare," she said.