The Metropolitan Police could be forced to reopen thousands of grooming gang cases due to concerns over the handling of previous investigations. The news comes after a review by the National Crime Agency (NCA) found that some cases were not thoroughly investigated. The review also identified a lack of communication between different agencies, which may have contributed to the failure to bring perpetrators to justice.
The NCA's findings have raised concerns among MPs and campaigners, who are calling for the Met to reopen the cases. Conservative MP Keith Vaz, who is leading the campaign, said: 'There are thousands of victims who still believe justice has not been done for them. We need to ensure that those responsible are brought to account.'
The Met has faced criticism in the past for its handling of grooming gang cases. In 2018, a report by the Home Affairs Select Committee found that the police had failed to take action against organised gangs. The report also highlighted a lack of resources and a failure to share information between agencies.
The Met has since taken steps to improve its handling of grooming gang cases, including increasing the number of dedicated officers and improving communication with other agencies. However, the NCA's review has raised concerns that these efforts may not be enough to ensure justice for victims.
The reopening of the cases would be a significant blow to the Met's efforts to tackle grooming gangs. It would also raise questions about the effectiveness of the police force's procedures and the need for further reform.