POLICE are today facing an investigation following a complaint by parents of a schoolgirl who became pregnant after sex with a youth.

SUFFOLK: Police are today facing an investigation following a complaint by parents of a schoolgirl who became pregnant after sex with a youth.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to manage an inquiry into how officers dealt with an allegation of serious sexual assault made by the 14-year-old girl.

In November 2009, Carl Boyer, 21, of Bugsby Way, Kesgrave, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court and admitted sexual activity with a child and was given a 43-week jail term suspended for two years.

The 21-year-old was also made the subject of a two-year supervision order.

Boyer was 17 at the time of the offence, which occurred when he had sex on one occasion during a holiday romance.

The complaint against Suffolk Constabulary claims the allegation was made to police in 2005, but no action was allegedly taken.

In August 2008 the allegation was repeated to police and recorded as a crime.

A criminal investigation began and led to a man's arrest.

The parents of the victim made the complaint against Suffolk Police after Boyer pleaded guilty and was sentenced.

The matter was referred to the IPCC by Suffolk police on December 17.

After initial assessment it has been determined there will be an investigation conducted by the professional standards department of Suffolk police, managed by the IPCC.

IPCC commissioner, Rachel Cerfontyne, said: "A complaint against a police officer of failing to record a crime, especially an offence of this nature alleged by a young girl, is a very serious matter.

“There are a number of unanswered questions here, and we need to examine carefully what happened.

“We will manage an investigation to look at how Suffolk police dealt with this sexual assault allegation, and their contact with this young victim."

Anne-Marie Breach, a Suffolk Constabulary spokeswoman, said: “Suffolk Constabulary referred a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. A managed investigation is being conducted by the IPCC. Due to this, we cannot comment any further.”