'Police have now set up a taskforce to investigate multiple historic allegations of abuse against multiple people in the Co Fermanagh area.' Photo: AFP/Getty Images

The PSNI is reinvestigating alleged child sex abuse by Orangemen, amid claims of a "cover-up" within the Order.

Two women claimed they were abused by several members of the Orange Order in the 1970s - and that it happened near Orange halls during band practice and after parades.

Police have now set up a taskforce to investigate multiple historic allegations of abuse against multiple people in the Co Fermanagh area.

In a statement, the Orange Order accepted the severity of the allegations and said it would co-operate fully with any police investigation.

The women made the claims as part of an investigation into sexual abuse in the Fermanagh area by the 'Impartial Reporter' reporter Rodney Edwards.

The two women who have accused members of the Orange Order said that they believe there was a "cover-up", and that alleged abusers were protected due to their status within the organisation.

One of the alleged victims, referred to as Sara to protect her identity, told the BBC that she was raped by a member of the Orange Order as a child after singing in church.

"The church sent me to a religious counsellor, I believe his title was, and he wanted to teach me how to pray for forgiveness so I never went back.

"I went to one session - and at that point I was suicidal - and this man was asking me to pray for forgiveness and that was like another slap in the face," she said.

"The police contacted me three months ago to tell me that they were reopening my case but I've yet to be interviewed," Sara added.

A PSNI spokesperson said that both cases of alleged abuse involving Orange Order members in Co Fermanagh had previously been investigated and directed upon by the Public Prosecution Service.

"Both cases are being reviewed to ensure all lines of necessary inquiry were completed at the time and to determine if any new evidence is now available.

"Detectives have maintained contact with the victims throughout and will continue to do so."

Irish Independent