A jury has failed to reach a verdict over claims a children’s home worker sexually abused a boy for seven years in the late 60s and early 70s.

Philip Collins was standing trial at Croydon Crown Court charged with one attempt to commit buggery and 18 counts of indecent assault, dating back to 1968 when he worked at Malvern House in Kenley.

All the charges relate to one person, who said he was seven when Mr Collins, of Worcester Road, Sutton, began working at the home.

A hearing is due to take place at the court next week to decide if the 69-year-old will face a retrial.