Appeal for more victims to come forward as major investigation into child sexual exploitation in South Yorkshire continues

The National Crime Agency was brought in to investigate historic cases of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham after an independent report by Professor Alexis Jay published in 2014 suggested 1,400 vulnerable children had been abused by men of predominantly Pakistani heritage over a 16-year period while those in authority failed to act.

However, NCA analysis puts the potential number of victims and survivors at just over 1,500.

Officers are now looking into offences between 1997 and 2013 and have so far ‘engaged with’ 872 victims.

There are currently 32 ongoing separate investigations under way as part of Operation Stovewood, 872 victims have been spoken to and 213 suspects have been identified.

To date, 20 people have been convicted, five await trial and 135 have been arrested (or attended a police station voluntarily) and bailed or released under investigation.

The 19 people who have been sentenced have been jailed for a total of 248 years and nine months.

The investigation is being led and conducted by the National Crime Agency (NCA) at the request of South Yorkshire Police, who are responsible for funding the investigation.

NCA senior investigating officer Phillip Marshall, said that the investigation has been impacted by restrictions introduced to curb the spread of coronavirus, but that the agency's resolve to help victims had not been diminished.

He said: "We have been impacted by the virus and have been working in line with government restrictions. We do not want to place any further pressure on the NHS or put anyone at risk.

"This has not diminished our resolve to protect victims. We have continued to work tirelessly to support victims, through phone and video conferencing. We have since been able to recommence direct interviews.

"We are very keen to ensure an appropriate level of support for individual victims. Before we engage with victims we research around their individual needs and tailor our support.

"The support is not time bonded. We support victims for a significant period of time to help them come to terms with the abuse. We are very keen to ensure an appropriate level of support for individual victims."

Mr Marshall added that the support of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has been integral to the investigation, as they have ensured access to records and rectified any issues in the past.

He said: "Without the support of Rotherham Council, the investigation would not have been as effective. They have helped with interactions around every victim, suspect and offender. The investigation has had ripples of impact across the community.

"There is ongoing work at various levels to rebuild confidence in agencies. At a local level, community representatives and victim representatives have explained the work we are doing, so that victims have confidence in the service to make disclosures of abuse.

"The investigation is absolutely fundamental and critical in restoring public confidence. 1,500 is a significant number of victims we need to provide justice to, and this investigation is critical, and has provided the appropriate funding, time and space."

Mr Marshall appealed for any victims to come forward, and assured them that they would be treated with respect and sensitivity, and that support is in place for them long-term.

"We have engaged with a vast number of victims, and intend to engage with others, who we would appeal to come forwards. Victims will be treated with the utmost respect and sensitivity," he added.

"We are confident that we will do everything we can to help them rebuild.

"This investigation has been in place since 2015, and given the scale and complexity will take a number of years because of the number of individuals involved, and their unique needs.

"Based on the information we have today, it is likely to continue for the next five to seven years."

An NCA spokesperson added: "Our victim centered approach involves building trust, listening to victims, gathering evidence and providing victims and survivors with adequate and consistent support through the investigation, trial process and beyond.

"We will not falter in our commitment to this task and we want to reassure all victims currently engaged with our officers that they will continue to receive the right emotional and practical support they need whilst we work with partners in developing our future response."