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Police statement on 'deeply disturbing' sexual abuse allegations at Harrogate Army college

Harrogate's Army Foundation College.

North Yorkshire Police has issued a statement following reports of alleged sexual abuse at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

A BBC investigation published this week featured accounts from four young women who said they were sexually assaulted and harassed while attending the college as teenagers.

The women attended the Army Foundation College within the last five years, with one alleging she was raped by several fellow junior soldiers when she was 17.

The British Army has described the allegations reported by the BBC as “extremely distressing and serious”.

North Yorkshire Police has now responded to the report and said it continues to support young victims and their families.

A police spokesperson said:

“Reports of sexual abuse at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate are deeply disturbing, and North Yorkshire Police continues to sensitively support the young victims and their families while doing all we can to bring perpetrators to justice.

“While we cannot go into detail on specific investigations due to the legal requirement to protect the life-long anonymity of victims of sexual offences, it is important to stress that North Yorkshire Police will never tolerate sexual abuse.

“We encourage victims to come forward to the police and seek the specialist support that is readily available, no matter how long ago the offences took place.”

The Army Foundation College, based on Penny Pot Lane in Harrogate, provides initial military training for young people who join the British Army aged 16 and 17.

Anyone wishing to report rape or sexual abuse can contact North Yorkshire Police online or by calling 101. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999.

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