A SMEAR campaign discrediting officers involved in Jersey’s historic child abuse investigation will not detract from the task at hand, say Jersey Police.

The force’s press officer Louise Nibbs said that the inquiry team was progressing well, collecting and analysing evidence from victims and witnesses. It was hoped that at least two arrests would follow in the next few weeks.

‘A small number of police officers have left the force in various circumstances after being accused of activities which could be described as corrupt,’ said Miss Nibbs. ‘They, and associates of theirs, including a local businessman and a small number of politicians, have conducted a high profile campaign aimed at discrediting officers involved in their cases.’

She emphasised that no current ministers were involved in the campaign, which had targeted the case’s Senior Investigating Officer Lenny Harper.