POLICE are looking into more cases of how officers handled child abuse allegations.

Earlier this month, Essex Police admitted failing to properly investigate 30 claims of child sex abuse involving almost 59 victims in Tendring and north Essex.

Seven more cases handled by the force’s north child abuse investigations team are now being looked into by the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

But Essex police commissioner Nick Alston still believes the public can have faith in the way the force handles child abuse probes.

He said: “I will continue to insist the investigations into the handling of child abuse investigations by our police force is fully and thoroughly reviewed.

“As the review progresses, regrettably I do not find it surprising it has identified further cases of concern and fresh referrals.

“It is distressing that the number of child abuse cases being referred has increased.”

However, he added: “I would stress the number of cases being investigated independently or under the management of the IPCC still remains a small proportion of the total number of such cases investigated by Essex Police each year.

“I am convinced the force is making real efforts to identify and resolve problems with the quality of child abuse investigations.

“I want the public to have confidence in Essex Police. Most cases of child abuse are investigated thoroughly and professionally. I strongly encourage anyone who feels their case may not have been properly investigated by Essex Police to contact the force on 101.”

The urgent review of child abuse investigations launched by the chief constable is expected to be completed soon. Mr Alston said it would identify where procedures needed to be improved.