AN investigation has been launched after allegations three west Wiltshire foster parents assaulted children in their care.

Police and social services were called in after the children, aged between five and 10, claimed they had been hit and smacked about the head by former carers.

The allegations came to light after the children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told their father during a visit with him in January.

Specialists from the NSPCC and police child protection unit have interviewed the children and three foster parents concerned.

Officers handed their file to the Crown Prosecution Service this week to determine if any charges will be brought against the carers.

The children's father said: "During a home visit my children told me they had been hit and smacked across the head while in foster care and I was outraged.

"They have been through a hell of a lot in their time and they shouldn't have to put up with it any more.

"I always thought children's safety was the most important thing but they are still in care and should be returned to me. I have done nothing wrong."

He said his concerns about the placement were only taken seriously once his children had made formal allegations to police.

The father said: "They didn't listen to me when I said there was a breakdown in a family where my children were staying but now the children have come forward they are paying attention.

"If these allegations were made about me I would be banged up by now."

The man's children have been in care since November 2002.

Police would not confirm where and when the alleged abuse happened but said they had been investigating three foster parents at two separate homes in the west Wiltshire area.

Det Sgt Caroline Evely, from the child protection unit, said: "We can confirm the Child Protection Unit has interviewed three foster parents over allegations of physical abuse on children.

"At the weekend we submitted a file to the Crown Prosecution Service but no-one has yet been reported or charged.

"We are awaiting information from the CPS for which way we should proceed and it can take a long time for them to get back to us."

Police confirmed the children were no longer staying with the foster parents, who are still being allowed to take in youngsters, when the allegations were made.

DS Evely said: "If we have any allegations that puts children at serious risk we have a critical meeting to discuss if any children should be taken away, but this is not something we are going to do here.

"We are carrying out a joint investigation with social services and the NSPCC and following all the correct procedures."

The CPS is expected to make a decision on whether to prosecute in the next five weeks.

Wiltshire County Council yesterday said it was unable to comment on the allegations because the case is still under investigation.