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Staffordshire historical child abuse case police quiz man Politician denies Esther Baker sexual abuse claims
(about 14 hours later)
Detectives investigating allegations of historical child abuse involving a politician in Staffordshire have questioned a man. A politician who was questioned by police over allegations of sexual abuse has denied the claims against him.
The 55-year-old was interviewed under caution by police in connection with an inquiry prompted by Esther Baker. The 55-year-old confirmed he was interviewed under caution by Staffordshire Police over an inquiry prompted by Esther Baker.
Ms Baker, who waived her anonymity, said she was abused in the 1980s and 90s with police officers present, and that a politician also abused her. Ms Baker, who waived her right to anonymity, said she was sexually abused as a girl in the 1980s and 90s, and named the man as one of her abusers.
Staffordshire Police said the man had not been arrested.Staffordshire Police said the man had not been arrested.
"On Monday October 12 2015, a 55-year-old male was questioned by detectives as part of an ongoing investigation into non-current sexual abuse," a Staffordshire Police spokesman said. The politician, speaking on condition of anonymity, said "public campaigning" by Labour MPs over "unproven allegations" had led to him being interviewed.
"It is the policy of Staffordshire Police never to confirm in any way the identity or any other personal details of those subject to any investigation until charge." "My children are the victim of this latest witch-hunt by Labour MPs who have no concern about the effects of their campaign on real people," he said.
'Nothing to lose''Nothing to lose'
Ms Baker, who revealed in a Sky News interview in May she had been abused, said she spoke out in the hope of finding other victims or the police officers involved. He added: "I am not critical of the police. The police have got to investigate. They are put in a very difficult situation."
She said she and other children had been taken to Cannock Chase and raped. Police confirmed the man had been questioned by detectives on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation.
She alleged a politician, not from the area, had abused her and also claimed uniformed police officers were present during some of her ordeals. Ms Baker said she and other children had been taken to the countryside in Cannock Chase and raped.
Ms Baker said: "I have hid it for 20 years, that has not worked, that hasn't taken the fear away - I have got nothing to lose any more." She also claimed uniformed police officers were present during some of her ordeals.
Speaking to Sky News in May, Ms Baker said: "I have hid it for 20 years, that has not worked, that hasn't taken the fear away - I have got nothing to lose any more."
In May, Staffordshire's Assistant Chief Constable Jon Drake said: "To be clear, regardless of role, anyone who has been involved in criminal offences will be investigated to provide justice for the victim."In May, Staffordshire's Assistant Chief Constable Jon Drake said: "To be clear, regardless of role, anyone who has been involved in criminal offences will be investigated to provide justice for the victim."
While Ms Baker has allowed her name to be used in the public domain, he added that he wanted "to reassure anyone who has been a victim of any form of child or sexual abuse that their anonymity will be protected". While Ms Baker has allowed her name to be used in the public domain, Mr Drake stressed victims of any form of sexual abuse would have their anonymity protected.