Former PCs accused of sex assaults while on duty

Two former South Yorkshire Police officers have been arrested on suspicion of historic sexual offences.

The incidents, including attempted rape and indecent assault, are alleged to have taken place in the 1990s while the officers were on duty as PCs.

Both suspects, who worked in Rotherham, have been bailed as the investigation continued, said a police spokesperson.

Assistant Chief Constable Hayley Barnett said the force's priority "in this case, and always, is the victims and survivors".

One of the men, who is now retired and in his 60s, is being investigated for alleged child sexual abuse against two girls between 1995 and 1999.

He was arrested on suspicion of attempted rape, misconduct in a public office and three counts of indecent assault.

The second man, now in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of carrying out an indecent assault in 1995 or 1996 as well as misconduct in a public office.

A joint investigation by South Yorkshire Police and the National Crime Agency's Operation Stovewood, which investigates allegations of child sexual abuse in Rotherham between 1997 and 2013, is now under way.

The force has referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in connection with the allegations.

"I am acutely aware of how difficult it can be to report such crimes, particularly when the suspects are serving or former police officers," ACC Barnett added.

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