Army college assault claims probed (From Herald Series)

Army college assault claims probed

12:02pm Friday 1st June 2012 in National News © Press Association 2013

Allegations of sexual assault have been made at a training centre for junior soldiers, the Army confirmed.

The Special Investigation Branch (SIB) of the Royal Military Police is investigating claims made at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

The college trains future soldiers, usually between the ages of 16 and 18.

According to reports, four teenagers have claimed they were "beasted" by a gang of other trainees at the base, some even being attacked with a vacuum cleaner.

The Sun said it may have been an initiation game which got out of control.

An Army spokesman said: "We can confirm that allegations of sexual assault have been made against junior soldiers at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, by fellow junior soldiers under training. The matter is subject to an SIB investigation and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment further whilst this is ongoing.

"All those who are found to fall short of the Army's high standards or who are found to have committed an offence under the Armed Forces Act are dealt with administratively (up to and including discharge) or through the discipline process, as appropriate."