1,400 Suspects In VIP Sex Abuse Investigation

Detectives investigating historical child sex abuse allegations against politicians and celebrities have identified more than 1,400 suspects.

They said there is no figure for the number of alleged child victims, but it is likely to run into thousands.

The figures were released by Operation Hydrant, which was set up by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) to explore abuse by "prominent public persons".

Norfolk Chief Constable Simon Bailey, who heads the NPCC's child protection team, said a total of 1,433 people are being investigated, and 216 of them are now dead.

He said 261 are classed as "people of public prominence".

Of these, 135 come from the world of TV, film or radio, 76 are politicians, 43 are from the music industry, and seven are from sport.

Mr Bailey said: "The referrals are increasing on an almost daily basis. The numbers I refer to today are a snapshot in time."

As for the rest of the suspects, 666 are alleged to have offended within institutions.

A total of 357 institutions have been identified, including 154 schools, 75 children's homes, 40 religious institutions, and 14 medical establishments.

There are also 11 institutions in communities, nine prisons, nine sports venues and 28 other institutions including military groups and guest houses. Another 17 institutions are classified as unknown.

The figures are taken from police forces across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Among the investigations are Operation Pallial, which is examining child abuse at care homes in North Wales, and an inquiry into Knowl View school in Rochdale, where the late MP Sir Cyril Smith is said to have attacked boys.

Police expect to receive around 116,000 reports of historic child sex abuse by the end of the year - an increase of 71% from 2012.

Mr Bailey added: "There is no doubt (Jimmy) Savile has had an effect on us. We are dealing with more and more allegations."

The paedophile DJ was the most prolific sex attacker in living memory, but was never prosecuted for his crimes.

He abused hundreds of victims, aged between five and 75, at 28 institutions including Broadmoor and Stoke Mandeville hospital.