Army probes ‘vacuum cleaner’ sex assault claims at Harrogate training centre

The Special Investigation Branch of the Royal Military Police is investigating claims made at the Army Foundation College in the town.

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

According to reports today, 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 reports 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 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.”