Hull grooming gang investigation CLOSED with no charges

The investigation was originally called Operation Marksman, which ran from 2019 to 2021, when it closed with no charges even though 34 arrests were made.

It was reopened under the Conference banner when specialists from the Hydrant Programme, the national policing lead for child sex abuse investigations, reviewed the investigation.

The grooming gang in Hull was revealed by Sky News in late 2021, with the channel speaking to two teenagers who named their attackers and showed locations where they were raped and “sold into the sex trade” by an organised abuse ring.

Some of the victims spoke about being threatened with weapons to keep them quiet and prevent them from escaping the grip of the abuse network.

When the grooming probe was reopened in 2022, with £500,000 of fresh funding, the then-Chief Constable Lee Freeman said: “This enquiry remains a priority for us and we are not going to let it drop.”

But it was later reported by Sky News in 2024 that officers had been moved off the case to deal with the summer riots and the major investigation into a funeral parlour in Hull, where a director was charged with dozens of counts of preventing a lawful burial.

The victims in the grooming gang investigation are now set to meet with police chiefs in the coming days to discuss why it has been shut down.

GB News has spoken with a representative from a network that has supported the women in the investigation.

The supporter said: “This is a devastating outcome for victims and survivors who have spent years giving evidence, reliving trauma, and trusting the system to deliver justice. To see another investigation closed despite what they believe was damning evidence is disappointing and deeply damaging.

“This is not an isolated failure, it reflects a pattern across policing, the CPS, and the wider justice system where victims are too often let down. But this is not the end. We will continue to stand with them, to speak out, and to fight for the justice they deserve.”

Humberside Police said in a statement: “Child sexual exploitation is a deplorable and condemnable crime, and we are committed to treating all reports of this nature with the upmost importance and sensitivity.

“These cases are usually extremely complex and require a careful and thorough review of all available evidence. To ensure each case receives the care and attention it rightfully deserves, we have a dedicated investigation team with specialist expertise and resources needed to carry out full and comprehensive enquiries, as outlined in the Casey Review.

“We acknowledge the courage and bravery of those involved in Operation Conference, as we understand that talking about sexual exploitation is incredibly difficult and distressing to disclose.

“Throughout this review and investigation, our priority has been to follow the evidence without fear or favour and to complete a full, fair and professional investigative review, exploring every possible line of enquiry.

“As is required for all investigations of this nature, a conclusion must be made to determine whether enquiries have met the evidential threshold to be formally referred to the CPS for a charging decision. Following a thorough and detailed review of all available evidence in relation to this investigation, no charges could be brought against the suspects in this case.

“Should any new pieces of information come to light, it will be treated extremely seriously and investigated to determine whether this builds on the enquiries that have been undertaken.

“The force continues to work with partner agencies and specialist national advisors on a regular basis to help us provide informed support to victims of child sexual exploitation and build upon our knowledge of offences of this seriousness.

“We want to reassure victims that if you come forward, you will be listened to and supported throughout the process, and we will endeavour to do all we can to pursue justice for those affected.

“Any reports of child sexual exploitation will always be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, and we would always encourage anyone who believes they have been or are a victim of child sexual exploitation, or any similar offence to come forward and speak to us.”