'Hundreds' of women allege sexual abuse during British Army medicals

Hundreds of women have come forward alleging they were sexually abused while undergoing medical checks to join the British Army. A national police investigation is underway into allegations of recruits being abused during enlistment medical examinations at multiple Army locations in the UK.

Wiltshire Police is leading the investigation, examining claims of abuse between the 1970s and 2016. The investigation is being supported by other forces, as well as the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The number of people who have made allegations has not been officially confirmed so far.

Hundreds of women have come forward, according to outlets including the BBC and The Times.

Wiltshire Police refused to comment on the reports after being contacted by the Express.

The force made an appeal last week for the public's help as part of its investigation, codenamed Operation Pianora.

It said the investigation was launched earlier this year after the disclosure of "non-recent sexual abuse" of recruits during enlistment medical examinations at "several" Army locations.

Wiltshire Police said in a statement: "We are in contact with individuals who have been affected, and we are working to reach others who may have concerns or information to share.

"Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have experienced criminal, inappropriate or unusual behaviour during Army enlistment medical examinations to contact us.

"We are committed to engaging with each survivor and witness, to ensure we offer appropriate support."

The investigation is also being supported by the Defence Serious Crime Command, while Wiltshire Police is also identifying points of contact at most police forces across the UK.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Darren Hannant said last week that the force had yet to identify any suspects and was following "multiple lines of enquiry".

Appealing to the public, he said: "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."

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones, 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."

The Express contacted the MoD for comment on the latest reports.