Greater Manchester Police have launched a major investigation into allegations of abuse at children's homes dating back to 1958.

Forty-eight complaints, primarily from men, have been made alleging abuse, mostly sexual, between the ages of 11 and 18 at seven council-run and voluntary homes.

Detective Superintendent Peter Stelfox, who is leading the investigation - Operation Cleopatra - said most of the complaints had been made during interviews following allegations of abuse in children's homes in North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside. He added that because of the volume of complaints and the time lapse involved, the investigation could take up to a year.

'If there are other people who have been abused in children's homes in Greater Manchester we would like to hear from them,' he said. The incident room telephone number is 0161 856 9784.

A special unit of eight officers is conducting the inquiry, working closely with social services directors.

Stockport social services director Bob Lewis said: 'Anyone, whether the abuse takes place in a family setting or in a children's home, must be made to answer for their unacceptable behaviour and face the legal consequences.'