Staffordshire Police investigate historical child abuse

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-stoke-staffordshire-32889796

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"Very serious allegations" of historical child abuse involving a politician and police officers in Staffordshire are being investigated.

Assistant Chief Constable Jon Drake from Staffordshire Police said his force was looking into the claims relating to the 1980s and 90s.

Specially trained officers were interviewing the victim, 32-year-old Esther Baker.

She waived her right to anonymity in the hope others would come forward.

Mrs Baker told Sky News she and other children were taken to Cannock Chase and raped.

She alleged a politician, not from the area, abused her. She also claimed uniformed police officers were present during some of her ordeals.

Ms Baker said: "There were a few occasions where they would be in uniform and I kind of knew, I learnt that when they were in uniform that it was going to be a rough night.

"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."

Mr Drake said: "We are determined to thoroughly gather any evidence which will allow us to bring those who may have been involved to justice, while taking a sensitive approach to supporting the victim throughout.

"We will continue to interview her over the coming days, recognising the horrific nature of what we are investigating.

"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, Mr Drake 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".

Last week it was revealed more than 1,400 suspects, including politicians and celebrities, had been investigated by police probing historical child sex abuse allegations.