A UK police force is investigating two separate allegations of child sexual abuse following the release of files related to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Surrey Police Probes Non-Recent Reports
Surrey Police confirmed it is looking into the non-recent reports after the US Department of Justice released redacted documents in December. One report involves locations in Surrey and Berkshire, dating from the mid-1990s to 2000. A separate allegation relates to the mid-to-late 1980s in West Surrey.
No arrests have been made at this stage, the force stated.
Background on Epstein Case
In February, Sussex Police appealed for witnesses after the redacted report detailed allegations of human trafficking and sexual assault in Virginia Water between 1994 and 1996. Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges; his death was ruled a suicide.
Earlier this year, it was announced that alleged victims of Epstein who spoke to UK media were being contacted by police. A new national specialist team has been established to focus on potential crimes against women and girls in Britain.
National Response
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) stated that a dedicated group will examine the 'scale, scope and nature of any potential UK-based VAWG offending within the files'. It will also create a national approach to gathering and assessing intelligence, with investment in additional intelligence resources.
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."
