South Yorkshire Police 'deeply sorry' for data loss affecting up to 69 cases

South Yorkshire Police has apologised for losing information specified arsenic bodycam footage which could impact dozens of cases.

The unit said it had referred itself to the Information Commissioner's Office pursuing a "significant" and "unexplained reduction" successful data.

This includes bodycam footage recorded by officers betwixt July 2020 and May 2023. The unit estimates astir 69 cases could beryllium affected.

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Alton said helium was "deeply sorry".

He confirmed integer forensic experts were attempting to retrieve the data.

In a statement, helium said: "We volition supply an update concerning this erstwhile further enactment has been undertaken.

"Whilst we stay hopeful, determination are nary guarantees, truthful it's important the victims and the wider nationalist are informed."

South Yorkshire Police confirmed that an interior probe was nether way, and said the information was deleted, alternatively than moved elsewhere.

It said determination was "no suggestion" systems were hacked.

"We're present focused connected however and wherefore this has happened," a spokesperson said.

Bodycam footage is often utilized arsenic grounds successful some transgression and civilian proceedings and the nonaccomplishment could person an interaction connected aboriginal tribunal cases.

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings called the information nonaccomplishment "concerning and disappointing".

He said: "There whitethorn beryllium implications for victims and witnesses and the wider transgression justness strategy arsenic immoderate of this footage whitethorn beryllium grounds successful upcoming tribunal cases.

"The unit is moving done the implications and nonstop interaction is being made with those affected."

Dr Billings said helium would inquire South Yorkshire Police to outline what measures would beryllium enactment successful spot to forestall this from happening again.

A constabulary spokesperson said it was "important to note" that the 69 cases had been highlighted "because we know" bodycam footage was available.

"This does not mean it was relevant, oregon would person been submitted arsenic evidence," they said.

"We are moving with victims successful those cases which mightiness beryllium affected and due enactment is being offered."