Force asks NCA to investigate former officers accused of non-recent abuse in Rotherham

“The request has been made in joint agreement with the IOPC and is in line with our overarching priority to ensure the victim survivors in this deeply sensitive operation remain at the heart of our actions, and have trust and confidence in the investigation,” the force said.

A dedicated team in the Major Crime Unit has been carrying out the investigation under the direction and control of the IOPC, which made the decision on the mode of investigation following a referral from the force. The inquiries so far have led to the arrests of three former officers.

Following extensive engagement between the force and the IOPC, a joint decision was made this week to request the handover.

“Our formal request was made yesterday and the NCA has accepted this morning (Friday, August 8). The NCA will continue the investigation under the direction of the ,” said South Yorkshire Police.

“We have worked closely with the NCA since the beginning of this investigation. The organisation has strong existing relationships with victim survivors, and public trust and confidence in its resourcing, knowledge, skills and abilities, through Operation Stovewood – the investigation into child sexual offences in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.”

Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett, the Gold commander for this operation, said: “Ever since the initial launch of this incredibly sensitive investigation, the victim survivors have steadfastly remained our number one priority. Over many months, I have had conversations at the highest level with the IOPC and the NCA to ensure these courageous women truly remain at the heart of our work, and that the mode of investigation remains appropriate.

“Concerns around the mode of investigation have put the force, and not the victim survivors, at the centre of the narrative, and this fails to align with a truly victim-centred investigation. I am also mindful there is a chance that some victim survivors may be suffering in silence and unwilling to make a report as a result of South Yorkshire Police’s involvement. It is for these reasons, and in mutual agreement with our partners, that I have asked the NCA to take ownership of this operational work.

“Today’s force, including the officers and staff who have been directly involved in this investigation, are appalled by the nature of the allegations which have come to light. We have been determined to conduct this complex and extensive work on behalf of the victim survivors with professionalism, integrity and compassion, and this request is in no way a reflection of our confidence in our own abilities, nor those of our workforce, to deliver this.

“However, we are acutely aware that while our culture, our processes and our workforce here at SYP have transformed in the decades since the failings in Rotherham, the harm suffered by the victim survivors remains their reality every single day. Victim and wider public trust and confidence are treasured aspects of our policing service, and where past failings have prevented us from securing this, handing over the investigation is, simply, the right thing to do.”

She added: “We assure anybody in South Yorkshire who has suffered sexual abuse that if they choose to report this to us, whether it happened recently or many years ago, we will always be here for you. We will listen to you, we will take appropriate action and we will do everything within our powers to make you feel safe and supported.”