Sorry: Police force apologises to 59 alleged victims in 30 child abuse cases over bungled investigations

Deputy Chief Constable Derek Benson

Essex Police has been forced to apologise to 59 alleged victims after a major investigation was launched into its handling of dozens of child abuse investigations, including cases of rape.

One police officer has been suspended while 11 have been put on restrictive duties after the force 'uncovered problems with the effectiveness' of the investigations.

Some cases - which include 17 historic casing dating back to the 1960s and 1970s - involve very young children and allegations of 'very serious crime', including rape.

Alleged failings include failure to arrest suspects, issues of supervision, necessary safeguarding steps not being taken, delays in investigations and officer workloads being over-stretched.

All cases have now been referred to the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission - the largest referral of its kind in the force's history.  (more...)

Police force apologises to 59 alleged victims in 30 child abuse cases over bungled investigations

Assuring