Claims of rape on nuclear submarines see Royal Navy’s probe into misogyny aboard the vessels halted

The Royal Navy’s investigation into misogyny on board nuclear submarines has come to a halt after several allegations of serious crimes – including multiple rapes – came to light.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key launched the investigation after the Daily Mail denounced allegations of mistreatment, including intimidation and harassment, in the submarine service last autumn.

But now it can be revealed that the investigation has been suspended after the Navy was forced to refer several cases to the civilian police.

It is expected to remain on hiatus until police investigations and any subsequent legal proceedings are completed — a process that could take up to two years.

Allegations of at least three rapes and a number of assaults were made by those who testified to the internal investigation, it is believed.

A Navy source confirmed that several of its personnel were being investigated by police following reports of ‘unlawful incidents’, adding: ‘We are doing everything we can to expedite these investigations and bring an end to these horrific events. ‘

The potentially lengthy delay is likely to leave some victims, many of whom have been waiting years for justice, in trouble.

Several have already labeled the investigation as ‘whitewashed’ and the main whistleblower, Sophie Brook, said she will no longer cooperate.

The 31-year-old, one of the first women to join the service, said she feared the navy would scapegoat certain personnel in order to preserve the reputation of the submarine service.

Ms Brook, from West Sussex, added: ‘It seems the Royal Navy is playing a waiting game, hoping that if they do nothing about these problems long enough they will just disappear.’

Mrs. Brook, who was left suicidal by her ordeal, is one of the women to speak out about abuse in the service. She told how she was sexually assaulted, beaten and abused by senior officers after joining the fleet in 2014.

Some incidents were referred to military police, but she was warned her case could take up to two years.

“The Royal Navy police admit it will probably take years to get a case to court, proving they are simply not interested in the truth or justice for the women involved,” Ms Brook added.

Serving personnel involved in the criminal investigation are believed to have been prevented from being deployed on naval patrols to assist police.

The Royal Navy said: ‘This investigation is ongoing and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further.’