Rotherham child abuse: Two councillors and police officer 'had sex with victims'

A police officer and two councillors have been accused of having sex with victims of the Rotherham child abuse scandal, it has been reported.

According to the Times, claims against the councillors are understood to have been sent to the National Crime Agency, which is overseeing an investigation into child sexual exploitation in the town.

One of the accused councillors is still serving, the newspaper claims.

The police officer is also alleged to have regularly passed information to abusers targeting children, have been separately referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) by South Yorkshire Police.

An allegation of neglect of duty against a second police officer has also been passed to the IPCC, after he was accused of failing to take appropriate action after receiving information about his colleague's conduct.

The findings of an investigation into Rotherham Council are due to be published later today, and are expected to reveal whether authorities covered up information and silenced whistleblowers.

South Yorkshire Police said it had referred "a number of complaints" to the police watchdog.

"We remain committed to assisting them with their independent investigation into any alleged misconduct," the force said in a statement.

An IPCC spokesman said: "The IPCC's independent investigation into the conduct of 10 South Yorkshire Police officers in relation to their handling of reported child sexual exploitation in Rotherham is ongoing.

"This is a large and complex investigation. Since we announced our investigation we have received 20 individual complaints.

"Work is ongoing to assess these complaints to determine whether they are new allegations or matters already under the remit of our investigation."

A spokesperson for Rotherham Borough Council said it had only been made aware of the allegations through the article in the Times newspaper today.

She added: "Clearly these allegations are extremely serious and we will co-operate fully with any investigation relating to them by the National Crime Agency. It would be inappropriate for us to comment further as this is now a matter for the police and the NCA. However, our legal advisers will be carefully considering any information that is received in relation to these matters, and we will take any action necessary."