Ten new inquiries into police handling of abuse

Ten new investigations have been launched into South Yorkshire Police's past handling of child sexual abuse cases in Rotherham. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) made the decision after receiving complaint referrals from the force between July and September 2025. These complaints were submitted by Switalskis Solicitors on behalf of 10 women who allege that South Yorkshire Police failed to protect them from abuse when they were children. The women claim the abuse was carried out by individuals known to the police, whose actions were not sufficiently investigated, and that crucial information was not acted upon by the force. South Yorkshire Police acknowledged its "profound awareness" of previous failings and pledged full support for the investigations to ensure victims feel heard. Most of the allegations date back to the early 2000s, and Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett urged other potential victims to come forward, stating it is "never too late." Switalskis Solicitors welcomed the IOPC's decision but expressed concern that prior investigations, such as Operation Linden, did not result in a... download the app to read more