Hampshire police face review after victim says force failed to stop serial rapist

A former Hampshire officer says she reported an attack in January 2020 that was not progressed; the suspect, Bruno Sala, was later convicted and jailed in 2025, and the force says it is carrying out an internal review.

Vicki Tomkins, a former Hampshire and Isle of Wight police officer, says she reported an assault to the force in January 2020 and that senior detectives did not progress her complaint. She spoke to Channel 4 News and has waived her right to anonymity. The man she named, Bruno Sala, was later convicted and jailed in 2025 for attacks on multiple women. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary says it is reviewing aspects of the original investigation. Key points: - Vicki Tomkins reports she made allegations of rape and coercive control in January 2020 and that detectives at the time declined to progress the case, citing insufficient evidence and a reported discrepancy in her account. - Bruno Sala was later charged, convicted and jailed in 2025 for attacks on several women, according to prosecutors. - The force has acknowledged that handling of parts of the original investigation "caused additional distress" and said those elements fell below expected standards. - Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary says it has commissioned an internal review, is examining possible further lines of inquiry, and stated there is currently no referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Summary: The force acknowledges shortcomings in how parts of the initial investigation were handled and has launched an internal review that will include the experiences of the women involved. Officials say they are examining whether further lines of inquiry can be pursued and whether additional victims can be identified and supported; the outcome of that work is still pending.