Detectives at Exmouth are appealing for witnesses as part of an ongoing investigation into historic sex abuse.

The police believe other victims who have yet come forward could help detectives as part of Operation Goodrich.

Officers said new technology enabled the police to investigate historic crimes, regardless of time, and bring abusers to justice.

Detective Constable Michael Chalmers, from Exmouth CID, said he wanted to reassure anyone coming forward, that their welfare would be ‘paramount’.

He said anyone speaking to the police would be properly supported and kept up to date with the investigation.

Det Con Chalmers said victims of sex abuse showed ‘great spirit, determination and strength’ when coming forward and speaking to the police.

DC Chalmers said: “I believe that there may be other witnesses who have not yet come forward.

“We appeal to anyone who may have any information that may assist this operation to contact me and help progress this investigation.

“The police and their partner agencies are now well equipped and specially trained to successfully deal with this type of offending, especially with the support mechanisms now available for victims.

“The passage of time does not prevent the police from investigating and does not protect offenders from being successfully prosecuted for committing these types of crimes.”

The detective said specialist resources and support mechanisms were used by police while conducting such an enquiry.

He said anyone coming forward to speak to police would be allocated a Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLO) - individual officers specially trained in gathering evidence using video interview techniques.

DC Chalmers said outside support from an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) from the NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centre’s (SARC), and Social Services, were also available to victims in police sex abuse investigations.

Detective Constable Chalmers said: “The welfare of the victims is paramount.”

Maurice Dance, 57, of Queens Road, Budleigh Salterton, and Colin Dance, 59, of Roseway, Exmouth, were on May 20 released on bail after both denying charges of committing sex offences against children.

They were arrested on May 18 as part of Operation Goodrich and are due to appear back before at Exeter Magistrates’ Court on July 18.

As part of Operation Goodrich, the remains of Belinda ‘Binny’ Day were exhumed from St Peter’s Churchyard, Budleigh Salterton, overnight on April 12.