Wiltshire Police lead national investigation into sexual abuse of army recruits
Police say their looking into allegations of sexual abuse at Army locations across the UK
Last updated 23rd Oct 2025
Wiltshire Police has announced its leading a major national investigation into the sexual abuse of army recruits during medical exams.
The investigation was established earlier this year following the disclosure of non-recent sexual abuse of Army recruits during enlistment medical examinations at several Army locations in the UK.
The allegations date between the 1970s and 2016.
Wiltshire Police say they are in contact with and are offering support to individuals who have been affected.
Officers are also asking anyone who may have experienced criminal, inappropriate or unusual behaviour during Army enlistment medical examinations to contact them.
The investigation is being supported by the National Police Chief’s Council’s Hydrant Programme, the Defence Serious Crime Command and the Ministry of Defence. Wiltshire Police say they are also in the process of identifying points of contact at most police forces in the UK.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Darren Hannant said: “We know how difficult it can be for people who have experienced sexual assault to come forward.
“Our specially trained officers are here to listen and support those impacted, whilst conducting a thorough and sensitive investigation.
“If you hold any information that you think could help, please get in touch - you will be believed and treated with the utmost sensitivity and respect.
“I encourage you to engage with us so we can build a clear picture of what has happened, when, where and how we can prevent further harm.
“Our enquiries to date have revealed offending spanning several decades at various locations in the UK, indicating different perpetrators.
“One of my priorities is to protect people from further harm and I must focus appropriate attention on that risk.
“We also understand that people may want clarity around the scale of this investigation. At this stage, we are actively following multiple lines of enquiry and reaching out to a large number of people. We are yet to identify suspects- the investigation is in its early stages and further updates will be provided in due course.
“If you would like to contact me or my team, please use the following link to our investigation and we will respond to you as soon as possible.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP said: “I commend the bravery of those who have stepped forward to share these painful and truly appalling experiences. I will stand with you every step of the way in your fight for justice and the MOD will give its full backing to Wiltshire Police’s investigation.
“All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so free from abuse, and with the dignity and respect they deserve. We are committed to rooting out sexual misconduct wherever we find it and have made this a priority since taking office last July. It is a mission that is deeply personal for me.
“I urge anyone who has more information to contact Wiltshire Police as soon as possible.”