Two former police officers have been arrested over complaints from four victims of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.
The police watchdog said the alleged offences are said to have been committed by the two former South Yorkshire Police constables, who were based in the town, while they were on and off duty.
A retired officer in his 60s is being investigated following complaints of child sexual abuse against two girls between 1995 and 1999, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
He was arrested in October on suspicion of misconduct in public office, attempted rape and three counts of indecent assault, and was further arrested this month about reported sexual offences against a third complainant between 1997 and 2002.
The second former officer, who is in his 50s, was arrested in December on suspicion of sexual assault and misconduct in public office and one count of indecent assault over alleged incidents in around 1995 to 1996.
The watchdog launched Operation Linden – the second largest carried out after its Hillsborough inquiry – in the wake of the 2014 Jay Report.
Professor Alexis Jay found 1,400 children were sexually abused in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013 by predominantly British-Pakistani men.
The series of investigations looked into how South Yorkshire Police responded to allegations of child sexual abuse in the town.
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IOPC Director Emily Barry said: “When we completed 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 from survivors.
“These matters came to our attention after we received a referral of a complaint from South Yorkshire Police in October last year.
“This was followed by more complaints from a second woman in November and complaints from two further women in December, which were referred to us by South Yorkshire Police as a result of their initial enquiries.
“Clearly these are very serious complaints and we will ensure they are thoroughly and robustly investigated.”
Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “Our first priority in this case, and always, is the victims and survivors. Since the publication of the Jay Report 10 years ago, we have built a much deeper understanding of child sexual abuse and exploitation and will ensure anyone reporting such crimes is treated with sensitivity, compassion and respect.
“We are working closely with the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to support their investigation, which is being carried out by SYP’s major crime unit under the IOPC’s direction and control. Together, we are committed to following wherever the evidence takes us and we will take any action necessary, as these arrests demonstrate.
“It is never too late to report if you are a victim or survivor of child sexual abuse and exploitation. I am acutely aware of how difficult it can be to report such crimes, particularly when the suspects are serving or former police officers, but we are steadfastly committed to securing justice.”
