Inquiry passes details of abuse fears to police

POLICE have been alerted to the risk that paedophiles are preying on youngsters in care after the alarm was raised by Scotland’s child abuse inquiry.

The Mail has learned that the statutory probe has passed on cases to police where it is suspected an abuser may be able to come into contact with children.

Detectives are told of cases where a suspected paedophile is at large and has access to youngsters, so they can carry out a detailed ‘risk assessment’ and intervene to protect them.

We can also reveal the number of locations where abuse has been reported has now risen to more than 100 – indicating the scale of alleged abuse of children in care.

The police referrals come after it emerged that the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry (SCAI) has cost nearly £8million since it was launched in 2015.

Last night, a victims’ group said the latest disclosures show the SCAI, which is focusing on claims of abuse within living memory, is also helping to keep children safe in the present day.

Alan Draper, parliamentary officer for In Care Abuse Survivors (INCAS), said: ‘We are pleased the inquiry team are being proactive, especially when they receive any evidence that an alleged abuser or convicted abuser is in contact with children, and is a continuing risk.

‘It is a matter which requires urgent investigation by the police and other relevant agencies.’

Last night, Detective Chief Superintendent Lesley Boal said: ‘Police Scotland fully supports the work of the SCAI and has built on early engagement to ensure that there is a clear pathway for referrals where there may be concerns around risk posed by an individual.

‘The first priority is to ensure no risk is currently posed by any individual in conjunction with the deployment of skilled investigators to engage with persons wishing to report.’

Organisations including Catholic religious orders and private schools such as Gordonstoun School, in Moray, and Fettes College, in Edinburgh, are being investigated by the SCAI as a result of allegations received.

An SCAI spokesman said: ‘The inquiry has been working closely with Police Scotland throughout its work, including in relation to referrals.’ He added: ‘The inquiry has so far identified more than 100 locations where historical abuse of children is said to have taken place and is currently investigating 69 residential care establishments for children.’

The SCAI is due to report back in 2019, with the next phase of public hearings to begin on October 31. Those earlier this summer focused mainly on religious orders, many of which admitted children had been abused in their care and apologised to survivors.

If you were abused or have information about abuse, you can contact the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry on 0800 0929300 or email talktous@childabuseinquiry.scot