Surrey Police has launched investigations into two separate allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse following the release of files related to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The force confirmed it is examining one report involving locations in Surrey and Berkshire from the mid-1990s to 2000, and another allegation dating from the mid to late 1980s in West Surrey. No arrests have been made in connection with either case.
Background to the Investigations
In February, Surrey Police appealed for witnesses after a redacted report released by the US Department of Justice in December outlined allegations of human trafficking and sexual assault that allegedly occurred in Virginia Water between 1994 and 1996. Multiple UK police forces have been reviewing information contained within the millions of pages of files made public earlier this year.
Related Arrests and Denials
Surrey Police's inquiries follow separate investigations by Thames Valley Police and the Metropolitan Police, which led to the arrests of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson respectively for alleged misconduct in public office. Both men were released under investigation after their arrests in February. They feature prominently in the Epstein files, with images showing Andrew bent over an unidentified female and lying across the laps of several women, while photographs depict Lord Mandelson receiving a foot massage and standing in his underwear. Both have denied any wrongdoing regarding their association with Epstein.
Police Statement
In a statement, Surrey Police said: "Following the release of files relating to Jeffrey Epstein by the US Department of Justice, we are investigating two separate allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse. One report relates to locations in Surrey and Berkshire in the mid-1990s to 2000. The other relates to the mid-to-late 1980s in West Surrey. No arrests have been made. We take all reports of sexual offending seriously and will work to identify any reasonable lines of inquiry to verify information or establish corroborating evidence."
Epstein's Death
Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. The release of files related to his case has prompted renewed scrutiny and investigations across the UK.
