Policing chief’s call for abuse victims to come forward

Dr Alan Billings spent Wednesday — National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Day — visiting various events around the county.

He said his top priority was protecting vulnerable people and he was currently doing as much as he can to tackle child sexual exploitation and raise awareness of the signs.

“As police and crime commissioner I urge any past employee to come forward now,” he said.

“I assure them that they will be listened to and taken seriously.

“Similarly, I urge any victims or witnesses to get in touch with the police, or, if they are nervous about doing that, to contact my office.

“They will be treated with respect and sensitivity.”