Sexual offence rumours online unfounded - police

Guernsey Police has said claims "widely shared across social media and chat groups" they were investigating a group of islanders for sexual offences against children were "unfounded".

The force said it had taken the unusual step of addressing the rumours to stop the spread of "misinformation".

There was no current evidence to support a claim of such a group committing offences against children, it added.

In a statement, the force said: "While Guernsey Police does not ordinarily respond publicly to rumours, on this occasion we feel compelled to do so.

"Misinformation can undermine trust and confidence in policing and jeopardise any subsequent investigation. More importantly it can have a significant impact on safeguarding and wellbeing for individuals named erroneously."

Officers said none of the individuals on the list being shared - based on the version police have seen - were currently being investigated.

"However, two of the people named have previously been investigated, both have been charged with sexual offences relating to children and their cases are currently going through the courts, and have already been publicised by the media.

"There is no evidence to suggest these two cases are linked."

It also said it was "coincidental that separately, a prison officer appeared in court today for unrelated offences".

Police have contacted Facebook and X to report the posts and clarified a UK force was not asked to come to Guernsey to investigate the allegations, adding there were "no plans, nor any requirements, for one to do so".

It added: "No one has taken their life or provided a letter to the police, relating to these unfounded allegations.

"Guernsey Police continues to take sexual offences involving children extremely seriously, and always proactively investigates these matters.

"If anyone has evidence of any criminal wrongdoing, whatever the offence, we would encourage them to contact police."

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