MPs, celebs among 1,400 suspects in historic U.K. child sex abuse inquiry
MPs, celebs among 1,400 suspects in historic U.K. child sex abuse inquiry
Detectives investigating historical child sex abuse allegations against politicians and celebrities have identified more than 1,400 suspects. They said there is no figure for the number of alleged child victims, but it is likely to run into the thousands. The figures were released by Operation Hydrant, which was set up by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) to explore abuse by "prominent public persons." Norfolk Chief Constable Simon Bailey, who heads the NPCC's child protection team, said a total of 1,433 people are being investigated, and 216 of them are now dead.
The referrals are increasing on an almost daily basis. The numbers I refer to today are a snapshot in time.
Norfolk Chief Constable Simon Bailey
He said 261 are classified as "people of public prominence." Of these, 135 come from the world of TV, film or radio, 76 are politicians, 43 are from the music industry, and seven are from sport. As for the rest of the suspects, Bailey said 666 are alleged to have offended within institutions. A total of 357 institutions have been identified, including 154 schools, 75 children's homes, 40 religious institutions, and 14 medical establishments. There are also 11 institutions in communities, nine prisons, nine sports venues and 28 other institutions including military groups and guest houses. Another 17 institutions are classified as unknown.
There is no doubt (Jimmy) Savile has had an effect on us. We are dealing with more and more allegations.
