First pictures of the 'sex abuse bunkers' at the centre of Jersey children's home investigation

Jersey police investigating the claims allowed photographers up close to the complex for the first time today.

Detectives say evidence of 'huge' significance had been found in the bunkers which 'corroborates' claims by alleged child abuse victims.

Probe: The wartime bunkers near Haut de la Garenne, Jersey

Six witnesses have told police they were abused at the site, where there is a network of underground bunkers and gun emplacements.

The isolated site is less than a mile from the former children's home at Haut de la Garenne, where the investigation on the island began in February.

Forensics officers are due to finish their investigation of the bunkers by the end of the week.

On Monday Labour MP Austin Mitchell called on the Government to intervene in the investigation.

Mr Mitchell has tabled a Commons motion calling for an independent inquiry to be carried out by a judge from the British mainland.

He said he lacked confidence in the island's authorities, fearing a 'prevailing desire to sweep scandal and abuse under the carpet'.

Police have sifted through more than 150 tons of debris during the course of the inquiry, which has now been completed at the Haut de la Garenne home, about 500 yards from the bunker.

Forensics officer Vicky Coupland emerges from one of the bunkers

Officers are investigating some 97 allegations of abuse in Jersey, and have said there are more than 100 suspects.

Investigations started after the discovery of what was initially believed to be part of a child's skull.

Tests later suggested it was more likely to be wood or part of a coconut.

Following the find, scores of people came forward claiming they were drugged, raped and beaten.

Police excavated four secret underground chambers at the site, referred to as punishment rooms by some victims. Officers found shackles, a large bloodstained bath and children's teeth.

Three men have been charged with sex abuse offences as part of the inquiry into historical abuse.

Gordon Wateridge, 76, originally from Croydon, South London, is charged with three offences of indecent assault on girls under 16 between 1969 and 1979 while he was working at the home.

Claude Donnelly, 68, of St Brelade, is charged with raping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl on Jersey between 1971 and 1974. Donnelly is not connected to Haut de la Garenne.

Michael Aubin, 45, is charged with indecently assaulting a seven-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy and with one count of a serious sexual offence on an eight-year-old boy, all between 1977 and 1980. The charges relate to three different children at the home.

Last month a 70-year-old man and a 69-year-old woman were arrested in connection with three assaults but were later bailed.

A 50-year-old former Jersey police officer was also arrested and bailed last month on suspicion of 'serious crimes' at the home and elsewhere on the island.