RAF Honington: Unit disbanded over sexual abuse investigation

The RAF Regiment is based at RAF Honington, Suffolk

A unit within the RAF Regiment has been disbanded while sexual abuse allegations are investigated.

It is understood the allegations relate to an airman appearing to be sexually assaulted with a piece of mortar equipment.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told MPs at the Commons he was "appalled" by reports of the incident.

The unit involved was the Support Weapons Flight based at RAF Honington in Suffolk, said Mr Wallace.

It has been temporarily disbanded pending the outcome of an investigation, which was expected to be carried out swiftly, the RAF said.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said the incident "does not represent our Royal Air Force"

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston said the RAF Police Special Investigation branch was investigating and the victims had been "offered our full support".

He described the incident as "deplorable" in a statement posted on Twitter.

"Exemplary standards of conduct and behaviour are the foundation of the RAF's reputation and operational success.

"Bullying and harassment has no place in our magnificent service. This incident does not represent our Royal Air Force," he said.

Analysis: Jonathan Beale, Defence correspondent

Defence chiefs have long promised to tackle a toxic macho culture within the military.

They acknowledge there's a serious problem of bullying, harassment, and discrimination, which needs to be addressed.

The current Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Mike Wigston, set out the scale of the problem in a report on "unacceptable behaviours" within the military just a few years ago.

That was in response to another allegation of sexual assault on a female soldier.

So there's genuine anger on his part that a fresh allegation of abuse should occur within the service he now leads.

The Wigston report was supposed to lead to a change of culture within the military. But - whatever the findings of this latest investigation - there's clearly still a problem.

Mr Wallace told MPs: "The Chief of the Air Staff and I had a discussion about the incident over the weekend and he has, with my support, acted quickly.

"He has removed officers from the immediate chain of command without prejudice pending the findings of a police investigation and the unit involved, the Support Weapons Flight, will be disbanded with immediate effect.

"Bullying, harassment and discrimination has no place in our armed forces, and neither I nor the Chief of the Air Staff tolerate it."