Former South Yorkshire Officers Arrested Over Historical Sexual Offence Allegations

Allegations of historical sexual offences have led to the arrest of two former South Yorkshire Police officers. These incidents, which reportedly include attempted rape and indecent assault, are said to have occurred during the 1990s while they were serving as PCs. A police spokesperson confirmed that both individuals, who previously served in Rotherham, have been released on bail as the inquiry proceeds. Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett stated that the force’s primary concern “in this case, and always, is the victims and survivors”. One of the men, who is now retired and aged in his 60s, is under investigation concerning alleged child sexual abuse involving two girls, dating from 1995 to 1999. He faces arrest on suspicion of attempted rape, misconduct in a public office, and three counts of indecent assault. The second man, currently in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of committing an indecent assault during 1995 or 1996, alongside misconduct in a public office. A joint investigation is currently being conducted by South Yorkshire Police and the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood, which focuses on allegations of child sexual abuse within Rotherham between 1997 and 2013. In relation to these allegations, the force has made a self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. ACC Barnett further stated, “I am acutely aware of how difficult it can be to report such crimes, particularly when the suspects are serving or former police officers.”