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Rotherham abuse scandal: 40 arrests made in last two months
 [Standard] Detectives investigating historic allegations of child sexual abuse and exploitation in Rotherham have enjuggedDrop the gat, Rocky, or you're a dead 'un! 40 people over the last two months, the National Crime Agency announced today. They said thirty-eight men and two women are being investigated as part of Operation Stovewood. Those arrested were aged between 29 and 53, and were from Sheffield, Rotherham, Leeds, Dewsbury and Maidstone. All have been bailed or released under investigation pending further inquiries. The offences relate to 13 victims who came forward alleging abuse between 1997 and 2015, when they were aged between 11 and 26. Carl Vessey-Baitson, from the NCA, said: "Arresting such a large number of individuals, as part of one Stovewood sub-operation, shows our desire to listen to victims and bring offenders to justice is not wavering. "Stovewood is a challenging and complex investigation, with victims and survivors reliving abuse that took place many years ago. "To date we have engaged with over 410 victims and survivors and have arrested or interviewed by appointment 94 suspects, meaning this is the largest law enforcement investigation into non-familial CSAE (child sexual abuse and exploitation) ever undertaken in the UK. "Conducting such an investigation can only be achieved with the support and co-ordination of our partners, and South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council continue to provide invaluable assistance." The NCA launched Operation Stovewood, at the invitation of South Yorkshire Police, after Professor Alexis Jay's 2014 report into the rape, grooming and trafficking of hundreds of children in Rotherham. The Jay Report described how more than 1,400 children had been affected, but Operation Stovewood has since identified 1,523 victims. Towards the end of 2018, the NCA said it had 151 designated suspects, 275 other people under investigation and 296 female survivors of exploitation actively engaging with officers. The NCA has full control of allegations between 1997 and 2013, with 250 staff and an annual budget that will soon reach £15 million a year. It is estimated the operation will cost more than £90 million by 2024 - the date to which current planning extends. Posted by: Bright Pebbles 2019-05-09 |
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