Lancashire Police issue statement on Roache acquittal

These very serious allegations were thoroughly and professionally investigated by a team of specialist detectives.

Lancashire Constabulary worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service from an early stage, and all the evidence was subjected to careful scrutiny before a decision was taken to charge, in the belief that there was sufficient evidence to justify a realistic prospect of conviction.

The jury has had an opportunity over the course of the trial to hear and fully consider the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence.

We entirely respect the verdict reached by the jury today; the burden of proof in our system is quite rightly very high and we thank them for considering this matter so carefully.

The Constabulary remain committed to investigating allegations of this nature, no matter how historic, and would encourage anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward safe in the knowledge that they will be treated sensitively and professionally.