Two former South Yorkshire Police officers arrested over Rotherham sexual abuse claims

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.

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 SYP as a result of their initial enquiries."

"Clearly these are very serious complaints and we will ensure they are thoroughly and robustly investigated."

-SKY NEWS