Rochdale Council has agreed to suspend its independent review into historic child sex abuse relating to  Knowl View School, in order not to prejudice any future police investigation.

In response to a joint call from Rochdale and the Greater Manchester Police (GMP), senior legal figure Neil Garnham QC, who is leading the independent review, has called a temporary halt until further notice.

Mr Garnham QC was originally meant to have published his initial findings by the end of this month.

A statement issued by the review team read: ‘We would like to extend our thanks to all those who have assisted the review to date.

‘We will remain in close contact with GMP and Mr Garnham will resujme the review as soon as he is able.'

Linda Fisher, acting chief executive for Rochdale, said: ‘In order not to interfere with any potential police investigation we have agreed to temporarily suspend our independent review.'

She added: ‘The council is determined to complete a thorough and transparent examination of the events when it is possible to do so.'

‘In the meantime, we await to hear how GMP's wider investigation will proceed.'