A CORNISH training facility is among 10 military sites that will be reviewed as part of an independent investigation following claims of sexual misconduct at an Army college for under-18s.

Armed Forces commissioner Polly Miller-Perkins, who is leading the investigation, plans to visit HMS Raleigh in Torpoint to speak with staff, recruits and families about their experience of the facility in the coming months.

The investigation was launched after it was reported that four young women had been sexually assaulted and harassed at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Former air commodore Miller-Perkins, who has the power to visit UK defence sites unannounced, will make her finding and recommendations public once they are completed.

Other 'Phase One' training bases that are involved in the inquiry include AFC Harrogate, RMAS Sandhurst, BRNC Dartmouth, RAF Halton, RAF Cranwell, CTC Lympstone, ATC Pirbright, ATR Winchester, ITC Catterick.

It is hoped that the investigation, which has been welcomed by The Ministry of Defence (MOD), will lead to better practices for current and future trainees across the UK.

An MOD spokesperson said: “We welcome independent scrutiny and that’s why the Government created the Armed Forces commissioner role, to provide this sort of external advice and challenge.

“We look forward to engaging fully and cooperatively with the commissioner’s work.

“We are committed to ensuring everyone beginning their military career receives the highest standards of training, welfare and support in a safe and professional environment.”