Appeal over 'Abington Street Statue' sex abuse investigation shared to every police force in the UK

Every police force in the UK will be asked to share an appeal for information over allegations of historic sexual abuse linked to a statue in Northampton's Abington Street.

An investigation was launched in Northamptonshire at the end of June after police received reports of sexual abuse between the years of 2006 and 2016.

All of the allegations originated from the Cobblers statue on Abington Street in Northampton where young people would gather.

A number of people have come forward since the appeal was launched - however detectives are aware that people may have moved out of the county since the alleged abuse.

Now, the force is now extending its appeal to reach out to those people who now live elsewhere.

Detective Inspector Liz Basham said: “We’ve had a really positive response to our appeals locally and I’d like to commend the bravery of those who have come forward so far.

“We are now extending our appeal to other areas in the country to ensure as many people as possible see it and feel able to come forward.

“Let me be clear that I do not underestimate in the slightest the courage it takes to come forward and tell police officers about sexual abuse and I want to reassure people that we will treat your reports with the confidence and sensitivity they deserve.”

Anyone who has not yet come forward with information about non-recent child abuse emanating from the statue at the top of Abington Street, believed to have taken place between the years 2006 – 2016, is asked to get in touch.

Anyone who has any information is encouraged to contact Northamptonshire Police on 03000 111222, quoting Operation Antigua. If you are not comfortable speaking to someone initially, you can report online.

Northamptonshire Police will do all it can to bring offenders of sexual abuse to justice and will treat all reports with the utmost confidence and sensitivity, a spokesperson said.