Humberside Police says an investigation into child sex abuse in Hull is to be restarted, this time with a fresh team taking over.
The original inquiry, called ‘Operation Marksman’, into an alleged grooming gang was launched in 2019 after a number of teenage girls said they had been sexually exploited. Over two years there were 34-arrests made but to date, no-one has been charged.
Humberside Police says the new team will focus on “a number of lines of inquiry” and the force has now brought in an external special task force from ‘The Hydrant Programme’ – a nationwide unit which reviews child sexual abuse investigations.
Some of those teenage girls who gave evidence claimed they were groomed and exploited by men who would give them alcohol and drugs and then rape and sexually assault them at parties.
Previously Humberside Police said evidence it had gathered did not meet the Crown Prosecution Service’s evidential threshold for anyone to be formally charged.
At Hudgell Solicitors our dedicated criminal injuries and abuse team know that many people who have been sexually abused and groomed have never seen their abuser prosecuted, that’s why it is important for us to fight for the compensation victims are entitled to and deserve.
Some cases of abuse may have happened many years, even decades ago, but the CICA scheme recognises that it takes time for victims to find the courage and confidence to speak out and report it.
Humberside Police Assistant Chief Constable David Marshall said this week, “The investigation team will focus on a number of lines of enquiry, with the victims being updated and receiving our full support.”
Abuse and rape victims have not always felt they have been supported by police forces as best they could, which is why our specialist sexual abuse lawyers are committed to always putting the emotional and psychological needs of their clients first.
We know it is access to other areas of support that is often the most valued aspect of our involvement. A CICA claim, however, can be a vital step towards finding some form of closure, bringing recognition of the suffering endured and its impact on lives.
Our dedicated team at Hudgell Solicitors are highly experienced in supporting survivors in securing compensation to help them rebuild their lives.
If you’ve been abused in any way and you’re unsure what to do, don’t suffer in silence any longer. The first step is to get in touch with our expert lawyers and discover how we can help you bring a claim.
Read more: Securing Criminal Injuries Compensation following sexual abuse
