FORT WORTH (Texas): Police searched the temple of a polygamist sect’s compound in Texas as authorities pressed ahead with an investigation into possible child abuse, US media reported on Sunday.

Tensions appeared to ease after special police units entered the temple late on Saturday without incident, following an hours-long standoff in which temple leaders refused investigators access, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Fearing possible violent resistance, authorities had earlier ordered ambulances to the compound after sect leaders refused to allow a search. “The temple is a very sensitive area for residents at the ranch,” said Allison Palmer, an assistant district attorney for the area, quoted by the Chronicle. After the standoff ended, ambulances and police cars were seen leaving the sprawling compound in southwestern Texas, the paper said.

State child welfare officials said that they had removed 183 people — including 137 children — from the compound after allegations that a 16-year-old girl there had been sexually abused, Los Angeles Times reported.—AFP