Adults with learning difficulties at a care home near Devizes were sexually abused, it has been alleged.

It is claimed historical abuse and more recent incidents happened at Rowde Care Home in Furlong Close which provides caters for up to 37 people.

The allegations came to light in a report by the Care Quality Commission which rated the home as inadequate.

Hft which runs the home said the allegations regarded inappropriate comments made by one vulnerable adult.

In a statement, Hft said: "This allegation related to inappropriate comments made by one vulnerable adult who is no longer supported at the service and did not in any way involve our staff who work at the service.

"This was fully investigated at the time and appropriate action taken to safeguard the people being supported at the service.

"The individual was supported by Hft to move somewhere that better suit his needs."

Inspectors from CQC, which visited the home in July last year, said it was prompted in part to carry out the inspection after it was notified of an incident following which alleged sexual abuse claims were made.

The report said people had not been protected against the risks of potential and alleged abuse from one person in the service towards other people living at Rowde.

It concluded: "There had been a significant failing in how to manage situations of abuse and a culture at Rowde had developed which normalised incidents as daily occurrences.

"Some staff had stopped seeing some incidents as reportable and referred to events as 'just what certain people did'."

It found a number of incidents had not been either recorded on the system or reported to management.

These included "physical altercations" between people who received injuries and no medical help was sought and "unexplained bruising".

The report said the CQC was reviewing the information and considering what regulatory action to take.

Rowde has now been placed in special measures and told it must not admit any more people without the CQC's agreement, and it must also submit a monthly safeguarding report.

If you know anyone concerned contact Joanne Moore on jmoore3@gazetteandherald.co.uk