IOPC launches new investigations into alleged failure to investigate Rotherham child abuse
The policing watchdog has launched 10 new investigations into South Yorkshire Police's handling of non-recent child sexual abuse
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched 10 new investigations into the alleged failure of South Yorkshire Police to investigate non-recent child sexual abuse in Rotherham.
Earlier this year a legal firm representing some of the victims alleged the force had engaged in a 'cover up' of allegations that gangs of mainly Asian men were abusing children in the town.
Several complaints were made about the force earlier this year by women who say they were failed as children and that officers knew about their alleged abusers.
IOPC Director Emily Barry said: “When we published our overarching report on the Operation Linden investigations in 2022 into how South Yorkshire Police investigated reports of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham, we acknowledged that there may be further complaints and that is why we have always wanted to ensure that any victim-survivors felt able to come forward.
“It is entirely understandable that all those affected, as well as the wider public, will have concerns about these further complaints so that is why it’s vital we ensure they are thoroughly and robustly investigated.
“We have informed all parties of our decision to independently investigate these matters and we will ensure complainants are kept informed as the investigations progress. We encourage any victim-survivors or witnesses, who are yet to come forward, to make contact.”
South Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett said: “We are profoundly aware of our previous failings in Rotherham and our dedicated teams work hard every single day to deliver the victim-centred and suspect-focused service victim survivors rightly expect and deserve.
“When we receive new allegations of past failings of this nature, we will refer these for independent review.
"We then fully support any subsequent investigation, in whatever format, to ensure victim survivors feel listened to, and have the opportunity to get the answers and outcome they seek.
“It is never too late for victim survivors of non-recent CSE to come forward and report what happened to them, including any associated police failings, when they are ready. For this reason, our door will always be open and we will respect their wishes and timeline.”