A long-serving police officer who took his own life after his arrest for a historical sex offence is now being investigated over violent sex offences and attempted murder against multiple women.
Alan Greer, 47, was arrested on April 24 this year after a woman came forward to say she was raped in her home in Glasgow in 2012 having called police to report being the victim of a crime, the BBC reported.
He was released without charge pending further investigation, then found dead on May 6, Police Scotland said.
A further eight alleged victims have so far been uncovered by detectives, five of whom were sex workers, attacked while Greer was off duty, the BBC said.
The BBC added that Greer used hundreds of prostitutes throughout his police career.
Police Scotland is now appealing for more victims to come forward and called the investigation “one of the largest and most complex inquiries ever undertaken by the anti-corruption unit”.
Meanwhile Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he was “absolutely horrified” by what had happened.
With a police investigation into Greer now underway Mr Swinney told journalists in Glasgow: “It is absolutely vital there is an open, transparent and candid response taken by the police in response to this particular case.”
But he added he was “deeply concerned about the fact that this has been able to be carried out by a serving police officer”.
Greer joined Strathclyde Police in 2009 before it merged with Police Scotland in 2013.
Police Scotland confirmed that he worked as a Pc.
Greer was arrested in April after officers from the anti-corruption unit searched a property in the Wishaw area, Police Scotland said.
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 earlier this year and inquiries into the contents of these are continuing, police said.
On May 6, officers were called to the same property where Greer was found dead.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances, and the BBC reported Greer took his own life.
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 inquiries 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.”
Justice Secretary Neil Gray also urged anyone with information to come forward, saying he had spoken to the chief constable about the “terrible” case.
He said: “This is a horrific and deeply shocking case and my thoughts, first and foremost, are with the victims, who have shown enormous courage in coming forward.
“The public place their trust in the police and for any officer to abuse that trust and the office they hold is truly heinous.
“The vast majority of officers serve to protect people and keep them safe, and the public should be confident about reporting any crime involving sexual violence to the police.
“As has been shown since the first victim came forward, the police will investigate such reports.”
The circumstances of the death following police contact are subject of a Crown-directed investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner, police said.
Anyone with information or who thinks they may have been a victim in this case, is asked to contact the inquiry team 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 inquiry team, with voicemail facility, is also available: 0300 426 6644.
