A major police investigation into allegations of sexual abuse during UK armed forces medical examinations has been significantly widened, with authorities now confirming that more than five hundred individuals have come forward with reports spanning nearly five decades.
Investigation Scope Expanded Across All Military Branches
Initially launched following disturbing reports concerning abuse of recruits during army enlistment medical checks, the inquiry has now been formally expanded to include the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. This broadening of scope reflects the serious and widespread nature of the allegations being reported to investigators.
Wiltshire police, who are leading the sensitive investigation codenamed Operation Pianora, have stated they have received accounts from both serving and former military personnel. Notably, reports have also come from individuals who underwent medical examinations but ultimately did not proceed to join the armed forces.
Reports Spanning from the 1970s to 2016
The police have confirmed that the reports received to date relate to alleged incidents occurring between the 1970s and as recently as 2016. These incidents are reported to have taken place at various locations across the United Kingdom. Authorities have emphasised that their inquiry will assess any relevant report, regardless of when it may have occurred.
Detective Superintendent Darren Hannant, the senior investigating officer, addressed the scale of the response directly. "The number of people who have contacted us highlights the seriousness of the abuse being reported," he stated. "My team and I are committed to engaging with each survivor and witness."
Authorities Urge Further Witnesses to Come Forward
In a public appeal, Det Supt Hannant encouraged anyone with relevant information to make contact, acknowledging the difficulty of coming forward. "We recognise how difficult it can be to come forward with experiences like these, particularly when they occurred many years ago," he said.
The scope of the inquiry explicitly includes anyone with information about concerning behaviour at military medical examinations, including civilians or those serving in any branch of the armed forces. Police have assured potential witnesses that they do not need to be certain whether their experience falls within the investigation's scope, promising that every report will be assessed and handled with the utmost sensitivity and support.
Due to the high volume of information received, police have warned that it may take several weeks to make direct contact with everyone who has reported, but they have stressed that every account is being taken seriously.
Minister Describes Scale as "Deeply Disturbing"
Louise Sandher-Jones, the minister for veterans and people, responded to the development, describing the scale of the response as "deeply disturbing." She praised the courage of those coming forward to share distressing experiences and assured every individual 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," Sandher-Jones stated. "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."
Investigation Supported by Defence Authorities
Operation Pianora is being conducted with support from the Hampshire-based defence serious crime command and the Ministry of Defence. While police have indicated that multiple alleged perpetrators may be involved, no specific details regarding potential suspects have been released at this stage of the investigation.
The widening of this probe marks a significant moment in addressing historical allegations within the UK's military institutions, with authorities now tasked with examining a complex web of reports that touch on all three major service branches over a period of almost fifty years.
