Police launch national investigation into alleged sexual abuse of British Army recruits

Wiltshire Police have appealed for public help as part of a national investigation following the disclosure of non-recent sexual abuse of British Army recruits during enlistment medical examinations.

The investigation, Operation Pianora, is looking at allegations between the 1970s and 2016 at several British Army locations in the UK.

The force is in contact with individuals who have been affected, and is working to reach others who may have concerns or information to share.

Thorough and sensitive investigation

"We know how difficult it can be for people who have experienced sexual assault to come forward," Detective Superintendent Darren Hannant, senior investigating officer, said.

"Our specially trained officers are here to listen and support those impacted, whilst conducting a thorough and sensitive investigation.

"If you hold any information that you think could help, please get in touch – you will be believed and treated with the utmost sensitivity and respect."

He added: "I encourage you to engage with us so we can build a clear picture of what has happened, when, where and how we can prevent further harm. 

"Our enquiries to date have revealed offending spanning several decades at various locations in the UK, indicating different perpetrators."

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have experienced criminal, inappropriate or unusual behaviour during British Army enlistment examinations to contact Wiltshire Police.

The force is committed to engaging with each survivor and witness as it conducts a "thorough and sensitive investigation".

The investigation is supported by the National Police Chiefs' Council's Hydrant Programme, the Defence Serious Crime Command, and the Ministry of Defence.

Wiltshire Police is in the process of identifying points of contact at most UK police forces.

"One of my priorities is to protect people from further harm, and I must focus appropriate attention on that risk," Det Supt Hannant added.

"We also understand that people may want clarity around the scale of this investigation. At this stage, we are actively following multiple lines of enquiry and reaching out to a large number of people. 

"We are yet to identify suspects – the investigation is in its early stages and further updates will be provided in due course."

Full backing to investigation

Veterans and People Minister Louise Sandher-Jones said: "I commend the bravery of those who have stepped forward to share these painful and truly appalling experiences.

"I will stand with you every step of the way in your fight for justice, and the MOD will give its full backing to Wiltshire Police's investigation."

She went on: "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. I urge anyone who has more information to contact Wiltshire Police as soon as possible."

Lieutenant General David Eastman, 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.

"We encourage anyone who may have experienced any criminal, inappropriate or unusual behaviour during their enlistment medical examinations to contact Wiltshire Police."

The police force can be contacted here.

Victims and survivors of sexual assault can access information and support via this page on Wiltshire Police's website, via the Government's site here and by visiting www.whenyouareready.co.uk.