UPDATED: The Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, Andy Marsh, is being investigated by police in Essex following claims that he ordered a ‘cover up’ over the failure of police inquiries into sex abuse allegations.
The allegations against Mr Marsh, who is in charge of policing across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, relate to the force’s investigation into alleged abuse at Stanbridge Earls School in Romsey near Southampton, where it is said that a girl was raped and other pupils were sexually abused.
Marsh, who stepped into the position in January 2013, is also accused of breaching confidentiality and contempt of court in relation to the same investigation.
Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Hayes, has tasked Essex Police to investigate the claims under ‘Operation Oregon’.
It is reported that Andy Marsh told Mr Hayes that an operation set up by Hampshire Constabulary in relation to the ongoings at the special school, named Operation Flamborough, was “established to protect Hampshire Constabulary’s reputation”.
UPDATED TUESDAY 6TH MAY: Chief Constable Andy Marsh has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Mr Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner, has today been informed by Chief Constable Steve Kavanagh of Essex Police, there were no grounds to justify the service of misconduct notices upon Mr Marsh.
