Jersey Police investigate 45 suspects in child sexual exploitation probe

The number of cases reported has increased dramatically. Credit: PA

Police are investigating 45 suspects - some of whom are deceased, or unidentified - over allegations of child sexual exploitation in Jersey.

It's part of Operation Whistle, a local strand of Operation Hydrant, the UK-wide police probe into historical cases of abuse.

Some of the crimes alleged to have happened in Jersey involve institutions, and people of public prominence.

Jersey Police say the number of historic cases of abuse reported has nearly doubled, since late 2011 and the death of Jimmy Savile.

They say the Jersey Care Inquiry could also have led to more people coming forwards with allegations of abuse.

A team of six police investigators, supported by a management team, is now leading the investigation into the claims.