ALLEGED victims of a police doctor accused of indecently assaulting cadets in Avon and Somerset are having their complaints looked into by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Dr Reg Bunting, who died aged 80 in 2013, is accused of historical attacks on at least 11 trainees dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.

An independent investigation is currently being carried out and is due to be concluded early next year but now the IPCC is also investigating a strand of the investigation. 

Issues have been raised about how previous complaints by staff were handled at the time by Avon and Somerset police.

Due to those issues, a further referral was made to the IPCC to consider whether to investigate the issues raised.

The IPCC has taken the decision to independently investigate this strand of the investigation.

Bunting was the former force medical officer for Avon and Somerset Police. 

Victims have complained of a range of incidents, including claims some were ordered to strip during routine physicals, he fondled other cadets and ogled their near naked bodies.

During his time with the force, Dr Bunting carried out medicals on cadets at the former Canonsgrove police training centre, just outside Taunton, although it is not known where the alleged incidents took place.

An independent investigation into the allegations is being headed up by retired Merseyside detective superintendent Tim Keelan.

Avon and Somerset Police say the investigation is continuing and is expected to be concluded early in 2016.

Dr Bunting was employed by Avon and Somerset Constabulary between 1972 and 2006.

He was also a general practitioner at the Gloucester Road surgery in Bristol between 1962 – 1990.

If anyone has information relevant to this investigation, they should contact the Operation Hay team on 101 or email: operationhay@avonandsomerset.police.uk.