Former police chief 'unaware' of Rotherham abuse claims

A former chief constable of South Yorkshire Police has denied he was incompetent when dealing with allegations of child sexual abuse in Rotherham and that he cannot recollect being sent two letters outlining such claims .

Mike Hedges, who led the force between 1998 and 2004, told the Today programme that "incompetence suggests that there was a total disinterest or knowledge that was in my hands that I didn't deal with properly. My recollection is I cannot recall either the letters or this allegation of widespread abuse that took place today coming to my notice."

Rotherham Borough Council will hold a cabinet meeting today to consider its response to the child abuse scandal.

The current Chief Constable of South Yorkshire, David Crompton, has also ordered an investigation and there is the possibility of disciplinary action being taken against some officers.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Wednesday 3 September.