Nine arrests made by Operational Support Group

Our Operational Support Group (OSG) arrested four people on suspicion of rape in connection with ongoing investigations across Essex.

OSG, who provide support across the county with executing warrants and gathering intelligence often focus their efforts on proactively arresting those who were wanted in connection with ongoing investigations.

On Monday, 26 February, four men were arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with four separate investigations.

The arrests were made in locations across Colchester and Dunmow.

In addition to this, OSG arrested five others last night (26 February) for offences including failure to appeal, grievous bodily harm and burglary.

Superintendent Phil Stinger said “The work that our Operational Support Group does supports officers and staff across the force with progressing investigations and ultimately keeping people safe.

“Rape investigations are complex but our Crime and Public Protection Unit are committed to investigating all reports of sexual offences thoroughly and our OSG officers will continue to support in facilitating arrests such as these.”

Support is there for anyone affected by rape and sexual abuse, and no victim or survivor is alone. Synergy Essex provides specialist support for victims and survivors of rape and sexual abuse of all ages and all genders across Essex, Thurrock and Southend.

Synergy Essex is a partnership of rape and sexual abuse centres in Essex: CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse), SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis). Synergy Essex is independent from the police and provides support for victims and survivors throughout their journey.  

Victims and survivors can self-refer, or be referred by a parent, partner, friend or professional and can access specialist emotional support, counselling and advocacy.  For victims and survivors who report to the police, Synergy Essex provides an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) service, providing support throughout the criminal justice process.  

For more information visit the Synergy Essex website: https://synergyessex.org.uk/