Appeal into sexual abuse of Army recruits launched

Officers are investigating allegations of sexual abuse dating between the 1970s and 2016

Police are appealing for the public's help as part of a major national investigation into sexual abuse across several Army locations in the UK.

Wiltshire Police said army recruits had told officers of non-recent sexual abuse during enlistment medical exams at numerous locations.

It said officers are investigating allegations dating between the 1970s to 2016, and want any witnesses or anyone with information to contact them.

Det Supt Darren Hannant, senior investigating officer at Wiltshire Police, said the investigation has revealed indications there are "different preparators".

Detectives specifically want anyone who may have experienced criminal, inappropriate or unusual behaviour during Army enlistment medical examinations to contact them.

The force added it is in contact with people who have been affected, and is in the process of finding points of contact at most police forces in the UK.

Mr Hannant said officers are "actively following multiple lines of enquiry and reaching out to a large number of people", adding no suspects have been identified.

Louise Sandher-Jones, minister for veterans and people at the Ministry of Defence, said: ""All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so free from abuse, and with the dignity and respect they deserve.

"We are committed to rooting out sexual misconduct wherever we find it and have made this a priority since taking office last July. It is a mission that is deeply personal for me."

Lieutenant General David Eastman MBE, deputy chief of the General Staff, said: "There is absolutely no place in the British army for sexual abuse and misconduct, and we are fully committed to supporting Wiltshire Police's appeal into these non-recent reports.

"We are alarmed to learn that for some of our people, their first experiences of military life may have seen them subjected to such unacceptable behaviours."