Pembridge Hotel: Police seek 1978 residents of Westminster refuge as they investigate historic child abuse

Detectives are looking for more information on a man called ‘Sato’
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Police are urging guests of a Westminster hotel to come forward after a claim of historic child abuse was made.

Detectives are looking for more information on a man called ‘Sato’ after an allegation of rape at the Pembridge Hotel in Westminster that was, in 1978, being used as refugee accommodation.

The Chile Solidarity Campaign had organised dozens of refugees fleeing General Pinochet’s brutal military coup to shelter in the hotel.

The probe was launched after a woman came forward in June last year claiming to have been raped by a male resident when she was nine years old.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “While details of the suspect are sparse, we do know that his name was ‘Sato’ and that he may have been known by the nickname Cameu or Cauneu.

“The victim also recalls seeing other children being sexually abused by the same man.”

The force added since 1978 the refugees have been relocated widely across the UK.

Det Con Pat Tully added: “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 please contact the investigation team direct on 07584 593 393, call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 6522481/21. To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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