Child sex exploitation investigation head is named

The National Crime Agency has recruited Steve Baldwin to lead Operation Stovewood, which is examining criminal allegations of non-familial CSE in the town.

The NCA-led investigation is being conducted at the request of South Yorkshire Police and follows publication of the Alexis Jay Report.

Mr Baldwin, former NCA Head of Investigations for Northern England, is an officer with more than 20 years’ experience of investigating serious and organised crime.

As Senior Investigating Officer, he will directly manage officers and staff on the investigation and report to the officer in overall command, NCA Director Trevor Pearce.

The NCA is this month establishing a major incident room, having been given management and control of secure accommodation in a South Yorkshire Police building.

Only officers and other staff employed to deliver, or support, the investigation will have access to the major incident room, which is being equipped with both NCA systems and links to access necessary South Yorkshire Police information. This may include a number of selected and vetted South Yorkshire officers and staff.