Police respond to social media post alleging sexual assault by serving officer

Anonymous poster claims 'police have refused to investigate'

The Isle of Man Constabulary says it is 'aware of a social media post concerning an allegation of sexual assault involving a serving officer'.

Taking to Facebook earlier today (5 November) the anonymous poster alleged they were sexually assaulted by a police sergeant 'a couple of years ago'.

They went onto claim the police had 'repeatedly presented [them] as not wanting to pursue a complaint' despite their insistence to the contrary, and alleged that repeated attempts at communication with officers had been ignored.

The author implored readers to give advice, saying: "I cannot put into words the effect this is having on me. 

"Having to deal with being assaulted was one thing but it has just been made worse by being ignored, basically being told I don’t matter and of course being threatened with arrest by the person that assaulted me and intimidated by other officers."

They also raised concerns with officers investigating their own 'colleagues and friends'.

POLICE RESPONSE

In a statement issued this evening in response to the serious allegations presented in the post, a constabulary spokesperson said: "The Isle of Man Constabulary is aware of a social media post concerning an allegation of sexual assault involving a serving officer.

"The Constabulary recognises the seriousness of the matters raised and considers it appropriate to clarify the steps that have been taken in response to the allegation and to rebalance the misinformation on the social media post.

"We are committed to ensuring appropriate accountability and maintaining public confidence in policing.

"The Constabulary’s Professional Standards Department appointed a Detective Inspector to oversee enquiries into the matter.

"The Detective Inspector, supported by a specialist investigator, has engaged with the individual concerned to seek further information and to provide the complainant with the opportunity to make a formal complaint and provide an evidential account.

"In accordance with established procedures, should information be provided suggesting that a criminal offence may have been committed, any criminal investigation would take precedence over related professional standards proceedings."

'NO FORMAL COMPLAINT'

The statement continues: "To date, the Constabulary has not received a formal complaint or evidential statement concerning the alleged sexual assault.

"As a result, important details necessary to progress a full investigation, including the precise circumstances, location and timing of the alleged incident, have not been established.

"The Constabulary categorically rejects any suggestion that there has been an attempt to conceal or suppress the allegation.

"However, in the absence of a formal evidential account or other sufficient evidence from which the circumstances can be established, there are significant limitations on the extent to which the allegation can be investigated through either the criminal or professional standards process.

"The Constabulary remains willing to engage with the individual and to investigate any evidential account provided."

Manx Radio has contacted the Isle of Man Constabulary, Department of Home Affairs, and the anonymous Facebook user for interview.

Isle of Man Constabulary says it would be inappropriate to take part in an interview as it's a live investigation.