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More than 500 people have contacted police investigating sexual abuse that allegedly took place during armed services medical examinations over almost 50 years.
The investigation was launched after reports about the abuse of some recruits at army enlistment medical examinations but its scope has been expanded to include the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Louise Sandher-Jones, the minister for veterans and people, described the scale as “deeply disturbing” and praised the courage of those who had come forward.
Wiltshire police, which is leading the investigation, said it had received reports from serving and former military personnel, as well as people who did not join the armed forces following enlistment medical examinations.
It said: “Reports received to date relate to incidents between the 1970s up to 2016, at different locations across the UK. Our inquiry will assess any relevant report, whenever it may have occurred.”
The senior investigating officer, Det Supt Darren Hannant, said: “The number of people who have contacted us highlights the seriousness of the abuse being reported, my team and I are committed to engaging with each survivor and witness.
“We would like to speak to anyone who may have information which can inform our investigation. We recognise how difficult it can be to come forward with experiences like these, particularly when they occurred many years ago.
“The scope of our inquiry has widened to include anyone who has information about concerning behaviour at military medical examinations – including civilians, or those serving in any branch of the armed forces.
“You do not need to be sure whether your experience falls within the scope of this investigation. Our team will assess any report and ensure it is handled appropriately. Any reports will be treated with the utmost sensitivity; our officers will listen and support you.
“Our team will review every report carefully and in detail. Due to the volume of information received, it may take a few weeks to make direct contact, but please be assured that every report is being taken seriously.
“The information you provide helps us understand what has happened and identify any steps we need to take to safeguard others.”
Sandher-Jones said: “The scale of this response is deeply disturbing, but it highlights the courage of those coming forward to share these distressing experiences, and I want to assure every single person that their voice matters.
“I’m committed to rooting out sexual misconduct wherever we find it and fully support Wiltshire police as it pursues this investigation with the thoroughness it demands.
“Those who serve, or seek to serve, our country deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at every stage. I urge anyone with information to come forward – you will be listened to and supported.”
The investigation, codenamed Operation Pianora, is supported by the Hampshire-based defence serious crime command and the Ministry of Defence. It is believed that multiple alleged perpetrators may be involved but police have not given details of potential suspects.
