MAYOR RESPONDS TO DECISION FOR NATIONAL CRIME AGENCY TO TAKE OVER INVESTIGATION INTO HISTORIC CSE CASES

Published 8 August 2025 at 2:24pm

Responding to the joint decision by the IOPC and SYP that the National Crime Agency be asked to lead the investigation into historic child sexual exploitation cases currently being investigated by South Yorkshire Police, South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said:

“Victims and survivors should always be our priority. They deserve to feel heard, believed, and supported, and they must have confidence in the people and systems that are there to make sure justice is done. That’s why it was right that who leads the investigation into these allegations was kept under review, and why I’m pleased that SYP, the IOPC and the NCA have listened to the concerns of those young women who have come forward to talk about their experiences. 

“Unless and until those making allegations have full confidence in any investigation, there will always be questions about any outcome, and whether justice has been done. This decision is a recognition of that reality. 

“I’ll continue to stay closely involved in the progress of these investigations, and I’ll keep pushing to make sure victims and survivors are properly supported every step of the way.”

If anyone has been affected by any of the issues please contact the Independent Sexual Violence Service on 01226 320140 or visit their website, www.syisva.org.uk/.