Operation Stovewood Ends New Investigations in Rotherham Child Sex Abuse Probe
Police leading Operation Stovewood have announced they will stop accepting new cases after 2023. The probe, launched in 2014, targets historic non-family child sexual exploitation in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.
National Crime Agency Hands New Cases to South Yorkshire Police
The investigation began after South Yorkshire’s Chief Constable asked the National Crime Agency (NCA) to step in, following Professor Alexis Jay’s damning review exposing failings in handling child abuse cases across the region.
Currently, around 200 officers focus on Operation Stovewood, with a large team actively working on 123 sentences that add up to roughly 250 years behind bars for offenders.
Over 1,100 Victims Identified but No New NCA Probes After 2023
Philip Marshall, NCA spokesperson, confirmed more than 1,100 victims have been contacted. Some chose not to engage, and their wishes are respected. He claims the NCA believes they’ve identified all potential victims from the Stovewood period.
From January 1, 2024, the NCA will stop launching new investigations. South Yorkshire Police will handle any fresh allegations relating to this abuse.
Ongoing Cases Remain Priority as Support Continues
Marshall stressed the NCA isn’t stepping back from existing cases. Victims already within the system will continue to get top priority. Anyone coming forward with new info after 2024 will still receive full support and attention.
