More than 500 people have contacted police investigating sexual abuse that allegedly took place during armed services medical examinations spanning nearly 50 years. The inquiry, originally focused on the Army, has been expanded to include the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Wiltshire Police, leading the investigation, said most victims were women aged 18-25 at the time of the alleged offences, with some as young as 16. Both serving and former personnel have come forward, as well as civilians who did not join after enlistment medicals. Reports date from the 1970s to 2016, with concentrations in areas like Wiltshire and North Yorkshire.
Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones described the scale as "deeply disturbing" and praised the courage of victims. Senior investigating officer Det Supt Darren Hannant said the number of reports may increase due to publicity. He added that offending does not appear to be organised but rather opportunistic, with individuals exploiting positions of trust.
Hannant urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasising that reports would be assessed appropriately. He said: "You do not need to be sure whether your experience falls within the scope of this investigation." The probe, codenamed Operation Pianora, aims to identify perpetrators and safeguard others.
Ahmed Al-Nahhas, head of military claims at law firm Bolt Burdon Kemp, said the expansion was not surprising, describing abuse as "endemic" and this as a potential turning point for how the armed forces address sexual crime.
