A HAMPSHIRE man accused of sexually abusing boys at a Southampton children's home.

The jury has now been sworn in, marking the start of a six-week trial of 75-year-old Colin Dennis Davis, of Lingfield Gardens, who faces 49 counts of indecent assaults and other serious sexual offences against 11 boys under the age of 18.

The prosecution is set to give their opening speeches later today, ready for the first witnesses to be brought in to give evidence tomorrow.

The charges relate to alleged offences at the former Salerno Road children’s home in Southampton, which closed in 2013.

Davis has been accused of various sexual assault charges including buggery, indecent assault and gross indecency with a child for a number of alleged incidents which took place over a number of years.

It all comes following a significant investigation as part of Hampshire Constabulary’s Operation Marmion - the force's ongoing review and re-examination of the available evidence concerning non-recent child sexual exploitation (CSE) and abuse cases.

The work of Operation Marmion also involved child protection specialists from local authorities and additional support alongside partner agencies to those affected by CSE and abuse.

Victims of CSE and abuse or anyone with information should contact Operation Marmion detectives by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.