Child abuse probe team has 11,000 lines of inquiry

MORE THAN 11,000 lines of inquiry are being pursued by a team investigating child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham during the period covered by the Jay Report.

Operation Stovewood, which is being run by the National Crime Agency, covers the years between 1997 and 2013.

Prof Alexis Jay’s report — published in 2014 — said up to 1,400 children in Rotherham, mostly white girls, were subject to exploitation and abuse, mainly by many of Pakistani heritage.

The NCA investigators gave an update this week on the progrss of Operation Stovewood, which was launched four months after Prof Jay's revelations.

As well as abuse, the team has uncovered possible links to organised crime, money laundering, and drug offences, which have been passed on to police or other appropriate authorities.

As of the end of September, investigators had identified more than 11,100 lines of inquiry, designated 38 people as suspects – with many more under investigation — and made nine arrests.

All those arrested have been bailed until November and December.

Investigators have also identified 17 distinct investigations and recorded 163 crimes following interviews with some of 133 victims and survivors.

“The total number of crimes, victims and survivors and suspects will be extremely large,” a spokesman for the NCA said.

As reported by the Advertiser last month, the NCA has advertised for more than 50 new team members as it expands its numbers to 117.

Senior investigating officer Paul Williamson said: “Operation Stovewood is making good progress within the resources available and we are receiving good co-operation from South Yorkshire Police, Rotherham Borough Council and health agencies, who have a vital long-term role in supporting victims and witnesses and providing information to assist our investigation.

“I am determined to identify and bring to justice all those who have abused children in Rotherham in the period covered by Operation Stovewood.

“The scale and complexity of the investigation is extremely large and it will take a number of years to complete.

“We are working with South Yorkshire Police and other agencies to identify any suspects who may still be active today in order to reduce the potential of further offending.

“Operation Stovewood will make further arrests this year."