Dyfed-Powys Police has announced that six people have been arrested in relation to allegations of historic child abuse at a special education school in the county.

The arrests follow work carried out on Operation Almond, an investigation set up by the force to examine allegations of physical and sexual abuse of children at Rhydygors School in Carmarthen, during the years spanning 1976 to 1986.

The operation focusses on allegations made in 2000, and also in 2012.

A fore spokesman said that the allegations made in 2000 were fully investigated at the time and referred to the Crown Prosecution Service; however no criminal proceedings were instigated at that time.

"In 2012, further allegations were made, which include a report of abuse at a care home, namely Cartref-y-Gelli in Carmarthen between 1986 and 1990," a police statement said.

"It is important to note that all allegations made concern members of staff who no longer work at Rhydygors School."

Cartref-y-Gelli care home has been closed for a number of years.

The statement said that following an initial assessment of allegations received in 2012, and following consultation with the CPS, a new criminal investigation was commenced with "the remit to investigate all allegations made in 2012, and to also encompass previous allegations made".

Under Operation Almond, a dedicated team of specialist investigators has been set-up to ensure investigate the allegations and ensure that support is provided for the victims who have already been identified, which is currently in excess of 20.

The statement said that six people had been arrested as part of the investigation and interviews with other identified suspects were planned in due course. The investigation is on-going.

"Dyfed Powys Police are working closely with partner agencies as part of this investigation and the safety, welfare and protection of vulnerable people remain an absolute priority of all the organisations involved," said the statement.

Anyone affected by abuse should seek information and advice is available from Dyfed-Powys Police by calling 101, the Children's Commissioner for Wales on 0808 801 1000 or the NSPCC by calling 0808 800 500.

Advice is also available online at dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk, childcomwales.org.uk or nspcc.org.uk.