Police investigating historical sexual abuse claims over Whitchurch GP

West Mercia Police today confirmed it is investigating the allegations.

One alleged victim, who does not want to be identified, claims he was abused at a surgery in the 1970s when he was nine and then until he was 13 during appointments and check-ups.

The man alleges the abuse sometimes happened when he was with the GP alone, and on occasion when examined behind a screen with his mother in the room.

The legal firm representing the man has praised his bravery after it led to a number of other complaints being made to police.

Hudgell Solicitors has revealed it was contacted by the man in September of last year for legal support, more than 40 years after the abuse is alleged to have taken place. He decided to take legal advice following counselling.

Victoria Neale, of Hudgell Solicitors, is currently supporting him with a view to taking legal action through the Government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).

She said: “Our client has been suffering psychologically and has only recently, with the support of trained professionals, been able to face his past and feel in a position to make these allegations to the relevant authorities, and inform his family. He has been extremely brave in doing so.

“His counsellor has confirmed to us that he is only in a position to be able to deal with this matter now, and subsequently only told his wife after 30 years of marriage.

“This is obviously a very serious investigation into allegations of repeated sexual abuse of a young boy, over a number of years, by a trusted family GP.

“Given the police have now confirmed that they are investigating five reports of possible offences, there is obviously a huge matter of public interest here.

““There may be many more people out there who have, until now, felt unable to speak, as our client did, but there are many areas of support which can be provided to victims of sexual abuse to help them better cope with the psychological impact of having felt unable to share with others what happened to them.”

Anyone who want to speak to Hudgell Solicitors about the investigation can contact them at hudgellsolicitors.co.uk

Paul Roberts, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "West Mercia Police has received five reports of non-recent sexual offences in Whitchurch.

"All reports of sexual offences are taken very seriously irrespective of when they took place and will be thoroughly investigated.

"Investigations are in the early stages and there are no further details at this time."