The capital's top policeman last week opened a new headquarters which will spearhead the fight against child abuse in four boroughs.

Reporter GLENN EBREY spoke to Sir Ian Blair and other leading officers about their plans to help protect vulnerable children.

According to the Met Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, child abuse is "the most difficult crime imaginable to investigate".

However, until recently investigating teams covering Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley have been forced to operate from makeshift premises - everything from huts in Hither Green to an old boatyard in Erith.

But now the Met in south-east London has a new facility equipped to investigate a crime which is becoming increasingly high-profile.

The two investigating teams who once covered the four boroughs are now based under one roof at Marlowe House, Station Road, Sidcup.

Sir Ian, who officially opened the new headquarters last week, says it is much-needed to cope with new challenges in tackling abuse cases.

He said: "The traditional form of child abuse which happens behind closed doors has been going on for years and we are very aware of it.

"The internet provides new problems and questions for us.

"We need to work together with other agencies to stop child abuse on the net."

A look around the new unit reveals a facility which is fit for the demands of modern-day child abuse investigations.

The building has two conference rooms kitted out with video and recording equiptment.

Here vulnerable children are free to give their evidence by video link, away from the daunting spotlight of the courtroom.

There is also a family suite full of toys and play equipment to help the children feel at ease.

A clearly impressed Sir Ian described the headquarters as reflecting the "future direction" of the Met Police.

He added: "The new facilities are excellent.

"They provide a much more pleasant working environment.

"They offer flexibility, great working conditions for staff and most importantly, comfort for the victims."

Child abuse investigator Detective Inspector Russell Pearson agrees the new facilities will help relax victims.

He said: "When we are investigating these cases we must take great care because we have to bear in mind they involve children who have been abused.

"The video room will give the victim the best possible opportunity to present their evidence to the court.

"It will also minimise the trauma to the child."

Det Insp Pearson added: "Our old base was nice and quaint but too small. This is definitely the way forward for us."

The new unit's leader Detective Chief Inspector Damian Allain says its opening represents "an important day for child abuse investigation in south London".

He said: "This is evidence we place importance and sufficient focus on child abuse investigations as well as safeguarding children."

Targeting child abuse

  • The Met Police received 10,500 allegations of child abuse last year.
  • There are 19 dedicated investigating teams in London, with two teams covering Lewisham, Greenwich, Bexley and Bromley.
  • The Met also has its own paedophile unit and a specialist child trafficking unit Operation Paladin.