Police launch new investigation into Hull grooming gang allegations

From the Hull Daily Mail and Sky News

A new investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation in Hull has been launched following a review of the operation which resulted in no arrests.

Last year Humberside Police said it had been unable to identify sufficient evidence to corroborate or support allegations made by a number of young girls about grooming activities in the city. As a result, the force said the evidence did not meet the Crown Prosecution Service’s evidential threshold for anyone to be formally charged.

Overall, 34 individuals were arrested during what the police described as an “intensive and complex” two-year investigation known as Operation Marksman. As part of the enquiry 200 digital devices were seized from suspects for forensic examination while over 100,000 text messages were reviewed.

The force said detectives also found no evidence of organised child sexual exploitation in any part of the community, either geographically or through ethnicity. However, some of the girls behind the allegations have continued to speak out over their ordeals since the investigation was formally wound down just over 12 months ago.

. . . the force invited Operation Hydrant (a national unit originally formed in 2014 to coordinate policing response to historic child sexual abuse allegations) to carry out a peer review of its investigation. As a result of that review, Humberside Police has now confirmed it is launching a new investigation into the claims.

Sky News claim that their investigation played a part in the decision by the police

Sky News produced a series of reports revealing evidence of organised abuse in the city, as well as an alleged new victim in the case.

This morning, alleged victims were told the case was being reopened and Humberside police released a statement saying they have “taken the decision to establish a new investigative team and recommence the investigation”.

Sky News assessed the case last autumn with the help of a leading child abuse expert. After examining diaries, texts, school reports, photos of injuries and testimonies of the women, Jim Gamble, the former head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection service, said there was “significant corroboration” and the case should go to court. He added: “If they need additional evidence, they should go out and get it.”

Assistant Chief Constable David Marshall said: ” . . . Humberside Police understand the significant public interest in any allegations of child sexual abuse and exploitation within our communities. As the investigation is active, it is imperative we protect its integrity. When we are at a stage where releasing further detail will not impact or jeopardise any criminal or judicial proceedings, we will of course look to communicate this information.”

I have heard that several trials of interest will commence at various Crown Court centres in the north of England this autumn. I am keeping alert.