Former Essex Firefighters Face Abuse Claims

11 June 2014, 08:04 | Updated: 11 June 2014, 09:06

Two ex-firefighters are due to appear in court next month, after an investigation into claims of institutional abuse.

Anthony Benham, 49, from Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, and Ian Maguire, 55, from Benfleet, Essex, have been summonsed to appear at Basildon Magistrates' Court over allegations of misconduct in public office which date to the 80s and 90s.

An Essex Police spokesman said: ``Detectives investigating complaints concerning allegations of criminal offences at the former Tilbury Fire Station have completed their inquiries.

``They have interviewed more than 100 people in this large and complex investigation.''

A file was prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service's complex casework unit after police were called when concerns were raised last June.

Martin Sibley, 48, a firefighter with 24 years of experience, was found hanged at his home in Colchester after being interviewed as part of the investigation.

The two men will appear in court on July 17.