THE National Crime Agency is taking over an investigation into claims that police in Rotherham sexually abused children.
Last month, survivors of sexual exploitation there said they had “no faith” in South Yorkshire Police investigating its own former officers.
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So far, three have been arrested over the allegations.
According to reports by the BBC, one girl of 12 was raped in a patrol car.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it was satisfied the investigation would have caused no conflict of interest for the force.
But it added: “Transferring the investigation to the NCA may provide further reassurance to victim- survivors”.
IOPC director Emily Barry added: “Victim-survivors are always at the centre of our investigations and it’s extremely important that they have trust and confidence in the investigation.
“We recognise the concerns that have been raised by some about SYP investigating serious complaints relating to former SYP officers and we want to ensure that any victim-survivors feel able to come forward with complaints about former SYP officers.”
Lawyers representing survivors welcomed the move as a “step in the right direction”.
But they said their clients remained concerned over the continued involvement of the IOPC, which will oversee the investigation.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said it would be “completely inappropriate” for South Yorkshire Police to continue investigating itself.
He said: “It is right that the National Crime Agency are taking over this case. It would be completely inappropriate for the same force accused of abuse to now be investigating itself.
“That is why I wrote the Home Secretary to make sure any investigation into South Yorkshire police was independent.
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