Allegations of child abuse centred around a former Accrington children’s home have been met with shock.

Politicians have called for a thorough investigation of claims by a national newspaper that ‘members of the public were able to abuse children’ staying at the former Dyke Nook children’s home on Whalley Road.

One alleged victim has claimed that gangs of men, plied girls with drink and drugs before raping them, while social services and police failed to protect them.

She was a resident at Dyke Nook before it was closed by Lancashire County Council in 2002 for being ‘surplus to requirements’.

She claimed: “Staff turned a blind eye while I was groomed, battered, kidnapped and raped. They did nothing. Men hung around outside.”

The allegations come as an investigation is ongoing into the handling of historic allegations of sexual abuse at a Rochdale special school.

Lancashire Police said they have been ­investigating the alleged victim’s claims since 2012.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said any allegations needed to be thoroughly investigated.

He said: “Any allegation of child abuse must be reported to the police as it is a serious criminal offence.

“We should be vigilant all the time – this is not something we can treat lightly.

“In my experience, this is the only alleged incident that I have heard of at Dyke Nook, but others may come forward in light of these allegations.

“I have spoken to the county council on this matter and it will take it very seriously.

“This will not slip across a few desks and not be noticed.”

Conservative group leader Peter Britcliffe added: “I am very shocked by these allegations, and I would call for a thorough investigation.”

A police spokesman said: “We are committed to preventing child abuse, helping victims and bringing offenders to justice.”

Louise Taylor, director of the Children and Young People’s Directorate for Lancashire County Council, said: “We are aware of these distressing ­allegations.

“Combatting sexual exploitation of ­children is given the highest priority.”