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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Gregor Young

Police Scotland officer raped and tried to kill women over 14 years, force admits

Alan Greer was given full welfare support by Police Scotland after he was arrested on suspicion of raping a woman (Image: Police Scotland)

A POLICE Scotland officer carried out numerous rapes and attempted murders of women over 14 years, the force has admitted.

Alan Greer, who took his own life in May age 47, had been arrested and released without charge in April following a complaint from a Glasgow woman who said she had been raped in her home in 2012 after calling the police to report a crime.

Greer was suspended from duty after his arrest and given full welfare support.

The BBC reported that the police have so far identified a further eight victims, and the force said allegations included "serious violent sexual offending, including attempted murder".

A statement from Police Scotland said it was “investigating complaints of serious sexual offending by an officer who died in May this year and is appealing for victims to come forward”.

It went on: “Alan Greer, 47, was arrested on Friday, 24 April, 2026, after officers from the Anti-Corruption Unit searched a property in the Wishaw area. He was released without charge pending further investigation and was suspended from duty at that time with full welfare support in place.

“A number of electronic devices were seized during the search and enquiries into the contents of these are continuing.

“On Wednesday, 6 May, 2026, officers were called to the same property where Mr Greer was found deceased. There were no suspicious circumstances. The circumstances of the death following police contact are subject of a Crown-directed investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.

“A significant investigation was launched at the end of 2025 after a complaint was received relating to a non-recent serious sexual assault being carried out by an unidentified officer.

“Extensive enquiries were carried out by detectives from the Anti-Corruption Unit to identify the officer and Alan Greer was arrested.

“Further investigations have identified a number of victims of serious sexual offending by Alan Greer, who are now being supported by specialist officers and partner agencies.”

Assistant chief constable Lynn Ratcliff said: “My thoughts, firstly, are with the victims in this case who have spoken up and reported these allegations, as well as with Alan Greer’s family, friends and colleagues who have been deeply affected by these reports and his death.

“The investigation into this matter is one of the largest and most complex enquiries ever undertaken by the Anti-Corruption Unit and significant work is ongoing to fully ascertain the extent of offending and identify and support as many victims as possible.

“Clearly Alan Greer cannot stand trial for these allegations of serious violent sexual offending, including attempted murder, but this investigation is about identifying and supporting potential victims, giving them a voice, and establishing the full circumstances.

“It is essential that members of the public, victims, and witnesses, feel confident speaking with the police and know the overwhelming majority of our officers serve with professionalism and integrity to protect people, investigate matters, and bring offenders to justice.

“I would encourage anyone with any information or who may be a victim in this case to please come forward and speak to us. You will be listened to and given the support you need.

“In recent years, and advanced by Lady Elish Angiolini's review of Complaints Handling, Investigations and Misconduct Issues published in 2020, there has been a Scotland-wide focus on police ethics, conduct and scrutiny.

“Police Scotland has fully engaged with a range of developments and our commitment to safeguarding policing's integrity has never been stronger.”

Anyone with information or who thinks they may have been a victim in this case, is asked to please contact the enquiry team. This can be done via email at OperationSubmarine@scotland.police.uk, or by telephone.

A dedicated mobile number with text facility has been established – 07484 438 539. A landline for the enquiry team, with voicemail facility, is also available – 0300 426 6644.

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