IOPC begins new investigations into complaints of past police failures to investigate non-recent CSA in Rotherham

The Independent Office for Police (IOPC) has begun 10 new investigations into South Yorkshire Police’s (SYP) past handling of non-recent allegations of child sexual abuse (CSA) in Rotherham.

We have begun the independent investigations following complaint referrals from the force between July and September 2025. The complaints were submitted by a solicitors' firm – on behalf of women who are complaining SYP failed to take action to protect them from abuse when they were children.

The recorded complaints centre around victim-survivors being abused by members of the public who were known by the police and that SYP failed to carry out sufficient investigative actions and adequately safeguard victim-survivors or act upon information that was provided.

IOPC Director Emily Barry said: “When we published our overarching report on the Operation Linden investigations in 2022 into how South Yorkshire Police investigated reports of child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham, we acknowledged that there may be further complaints and that is why we have always wanted to ensure that any victim-survivors felt able to come forward.

“It is entirely understandable that all those affected, as well as the wider public, will have concerns about these further complaints so that is why it’s vital we ensure they are thoroughly and robustly investigated.

“We have informed all parties of our decision to independently investigate these matters and we will ensure complainants are kept informed as the investigations progress. We encourage any victim-survivors or witnesses, who are yet to come forward, to make contact.”

The independent investigations we have begun are separate to the IOPC’s directed investigation into non-recent child sex abuse complaints from victim-survivors against former South Yorkshire Police (SYP) officers which is being carried out by the National Crime Agency (NCA), under our direction and control.