Historic child sex abuse case arises in connection with 1978 Bayswater hotel

Police are investigating an allegation of historic sexual offences against children at a hotel in Westminster that was, in 1978, being used as refugee accommodation.

A number of Chilean families were housed at the Pembridge Hotel at Pembridge Square, Bayswater, during 1978.

The refuge was organised by the Chile Solidarity Campaign.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who either worked or stayed at the hotel during that time. The hotel no longer exists.

After 1978 the residents were relocated widely across the UK.

In June 2021, police received a report from a former female resident who was allegedly raped at the venue by a male resident of the hotel when she was nine years old.

While details of the suspect are sparse, police do know that his name was ‘Sato’ and that he may have been known by the nickname Cameu or Cauneu.

The victim claims she also recalls seeing other children being sexually abused by the same man.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Pat Tully, of the Met’s 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 please contact the investigation team directly on 07584 593 393, call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 6522481/21.

Pictured top: Pembroke Square in Bayswater (Picture: Google Street View)