IOPC begins new investigations into complaints of past police failures in Rotherham child sex abuse allegations

It follows complaint referrals from the force between July and September this year.

They relate to ten women who are complaining South Yorkshire Police failed to take action to protect them from abuse when they were children.

The recorded complaints centre around victim-survivors being abused by members of the public who were known by the police and that South Yorkshire Police failed to carry out sufficient investigative actions and adequately safeguard victim-survivors or act upon information that was provided.

The majority of the complaints relate to allegations dating back to the early 2000s.

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.”

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 child sexual exploitation 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.”

The IOPC said the independent investigations are separate to its directed investigation into non-recent child sex abuse complaints from victim-survivors against former South Yorkshire Police officers, which is being carried out by the National Crime Agency under its direction and control.