EXCLUSIVE: Formby Bubble Alerts Police to Allegations of 27 Bodies of Children Buried at Former Formby School — Investigation Now Concluded

Formby Bubble can confirm that Merseyside Police have confirmed in writing that they have concluded an investigation into serious safeguarding allegations raised in relation to the former Clarence House School site on West Lane, Formby.

In early January, Formby Bubble received a deeply distressing recorded telephone call from a member of the public who identified themselves as a former pupil of the school. The call was taken by a member of the Formby Bubble team and was described as harrowing and extremely difficult to listen to.

During the call, the individual made extremely serious allegations, including claims that multiple children had died while at the school during the 1980s and 1990s, and that in excess of 27 bodies were buried within the former school site. The caller spoke at length and in significant detail, providing names, timeframes, and what they described as precise locations. They appeared visibly distressed, repeatedly stated how difficult it was to speak about the matter, and said they felt compelled to come forward after many years.

Because of the seriousness, specificity, and distress evident in the recorded call, Formby Bubble treated the matter as a safeguarding disclosure and immediately escalated all information to Merseyside Police in good faith and in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Merseyside Police confirmed that the allegations were formally investigated. Enquiries included a review of relevant records, contact with the original caller, and liaison with appropriate agencies. During this period, activity at the redevelopment site was restricted while enquiries were carried out, leading to visible closure and understandable speculation locally.

Formby Bubble deliberately refrained from publishing any coverage during the investigation, despite the seriousness of the allegations and the level of concern they would understandably cause within the community. This decision was taken to avoid causing unnecessary alarm or prejudicing police enquiries. The period of waiting — which lasted almost four weeks — was extremely difficult, particularly given the nature of the recorded call and its emotional impact.

Merseyside Police have now advised that, following their enquiries, the investigation has been concluded and that no further action is being taken. Police have not released any findings and have not confirmed any evidence to substantiate the allegations made.

Formby Bubble has not independently verified the claims raised during the call and does not present them as fact. Our role in this matter was limited to receiving information from a member of the public, recording it in line with standard practice, and ensuring it was passed immediately to the appropriate authorities.

We recognise that this update will be deeply unsettling for many people locally. It is shared to provide transparency about what was reported, why it was escalated, what actions were taken, and the outcome confirmed by police.

Formby Bubble remains committed to responsible reporting, safeguarding, and acting in the public interest.

Formby Bubble has since received written confirmation from the investigating officer that the matter has been concluded and no further action is required.

Please note: This report reflects allegations made to Formby Bubble, the actions taken, and the outcome confirmed by Merseyside Police. No evidence has been released to substantiate the claims.