Police faces fresh scrutiny over handling of Rotherham child sex abuse claims | UK | News
The police watchdog has launched 10 new investigations into how South Yorkshire Police (SYP) handled historic allegations of child sexual abuse in Rotherham. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) began its investigations following complaints from the police between July and September this year.
The complaints were lodged by a law firm on behalf of women who said SYP failed to protect them from gang abuse as children. The IOPC said the complaints were that the victims were exploited by men known to the police and that “the SYP did not take adequate investigative measures and failed to adequately protect the surviving victims or act on the information provided.”
Emily Barry, director of the IOPC, said: “When we published our comprehensive report in 2022 into Operation Linden investigations into how South Yorkshire Police investigated reports of child sexual abuse and exploitation in Rotherham, we recognized that there may be further complaints and so we wanted to make sure surviving victims were able to come forward.
“It is completely understandable that everyone affected and the wider public have concerns about these new complaints, so it is vital that we ensure they are thoroughly and robustly investigated.”
The latest investigations are separate from investigations into complaints of child sexual abuse by former SYP officers carried out by the National Crime Agency under the direction of the IOPC.
Reacting to the announcement, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “These cases show that justice is still being denied to victims of some of the most appalling abuses imaginable.
“For decades, young girls have been failed by institutions that chose to look the other way.
“Police officers, council officials and prosecutors covered up the crimes to protect their reputation and avoid social tensions because the perpetrators of these crimes were mostly of Pakistani origin. This is inexcusable.
“That’s why the last Conservative government took action and set up a gangs taskforce, which led to the arrest of more than 550 suspects.
“Every officer and official who covered up this scandal must face justice.
“No more excuses, no more delays.
“Four months after finally giving up on promising an inquiry, the Labor Government still hasn’t even appointed a chairman.
“If the Labor Government does not fully deliver a national inquiry they will be facilitating a cover-up.”
Operation Stovewood, the National Crime Agency’s comprehensive investigation into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013, identified more than 1,100 child victims.
Switalskis Solicitors, which represents some of the victims of abuse, said: “These developments are a stark reminder of the extent of institutional failure and the lasting impact on survivors.
“Reports and investigations are vital steps towards accountability, but survivors deserve more than recognition—they need justice, ongoing care, and meaningful reform to the systems that have failed them.
“It is important to note that this IOPC investigation is separate from the ongoing NCA investigation, which is also led by the IOPC, into past allegations of child sexual abuse, corruption and facilitation by former SYP officers.
“Switalskis Lawyers will continue to stand up for survivors and ensure their voices are heard.”
