Fresh claims in Whitchurch GP historical abuse case

West Mercia Police confirmed it is has now received a total of 11 reports of the allegations in Whitchurch.

Seven people had previously come forward to make allegations against Dr Gerard Rogerson, who worked in the town, before his death in 2000.

Hudgell Solicitors is currently providing legal advice to a number of people, both men and women, who have each named the former doctor when making allegations of historical sex abuse at his former surgery in the town.

The men and women claim they were abused in the 1970s when they were all children, lawyers said.

Victoria Neale, from Hudgell Solicitors, who is representing some of the alleged victims, said: “Since the first courageous gentleman contacted us and publicly made his allegations we have been contacted by more people who have independently given the same name, and made very similar allegations of being abused at the same Whitchurch surgery.

“Given police now say 11 people have contacted them to make similar allegations, we feel that it is in the public interest to fully investigate these allegations of sexual abuse and we encourage anybody with any more information to come forward.

“We feel there could be many more people who have since moved from the area and now live in other parts of the country who may wish to speak to both the police and ourselves as we continue to piece together this concerning picture of the past.

“Any form of abuse can cause long-term psychological issues, and it has only been with the support of trained professionals that the people we have assisted in cases such as this have felt able to face their pasts and make allegations to the relevant authorities.

“There are many areas of support which can be provided to help people.

“Our message is, if you have any further information, you can come forward and speak to specialists in confidence. It is imperative that this matter is fully investigated given the seriousness of allegations made so far and the possible impact on many more people.”

Detective chief inspector Paul Moxley, of West Mercia Police, said the force had received the 11 reports of non-recent sexual offences in Whitchurch over the past six months.

He added: “All of the victims have been contacted and are assisting the police with their ongoing enquiries.

“It is important that people who have been victims of abuse have the confidence to speak out, knowing that they will be listened to and supported.

“I would encourage them to come forward so that we can work with the victims of such crimes and offer support and assistance where possible.”