Three women and seven men have been arrested over reports they abused vulnerable patients at Whorlton Hall Hospital, Co Durham.
The 10 staff at the private hospital are being quizzed by authorities after a BBC Panorama investigation.
Hidden cameras showed adults with learning difficulties being intimidated, taunted, mocked and repeatedly restrained.
According to BBC reporter Olivia Davies, one staff member called a patient a “fat c***” while another said the hospital was like a “house of mongs.”
A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “Arrests have been carried out at addresses in the areas of Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Darlington and Stockton this morning, with uniformed officers working alongside investigators from the Major Crime Team.
“All of those arrested, seven men and three women, are members of staff who worked at the unit and are being questioned about offenses relating to abuse and neglect.
“Durham Constabulary are seeking the cooperation of the BBC Panorama production team in gathering further evidence.
“Those arrested will be released under investigation whilst inquiries continue.”
Authorities said the investigation is expected to take some time and police were working to support patients as well as their families.
After the documentary, Health Minister Caroline Dinenage apologized on behalf of the NHS.
Ms. Dinenage told MPS: “On behalf of the health and care system, I am deeply sorry that this has happened.”
She also said the actions showed by the investigation were “quite simply appalling.”
A Durham Police spokesperson said: “As this is an ongoing inquiry, we are unable to comment further at this time, other than to repeat that our immediate priority has been to work with other agencies to safeguard the victims at the centre of the allegations and their families.
“The investigation is at an early stage and is expected to take some time to complete.”
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