Historic Abuse Allegations Rock Westminster Refuge Hotel
Detectives are probing serious historic sexual abuse claims linked to a Westminster hotel that housed Chilean refugee families back in 1978.
Chilean Refugees Lived at Pembridge Hotel in 1978
In 1978, the Pembridge Hotel in Pembridge Square, W2, was transformed into a refuge for several Chilean families, organised by a solidarity campaign. After their stay, residents were moved elsewhere across the UK.
Victim Reports Rape and Witnesses Other Abuses
Police launched an investigation in June 2021 after a former female resident, aged nine at the time, came forward alleging she was raped by a male hotel resident. The suspect is only known by the name “Sato” and may have been nicknamed “Cameu” or “Cauneu.” The victim also recalls seeing other children subjected to abuse by the same man.
Police Urge Witnesses and Victims to Step Forward
Detective Constable Pat Tully, Met Central West Safeguarding Unit, said: “I am very keen to hear from anyone who stayed at the hotel in 1978, at the very least to ensure that any victims of sexual offences receive the support they may still need. A long time has passed, but I am convinced that anyone touched by incidents such as this will remember them and I urge those people to get in touch.”
If you worked or stayed at the Pembridge Hotel in 1978, contact detectives directly on 07584 593 393, call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting reference 6522481/21.
To report anonymously, reach out to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
