PC who took own life alleged to have been violent rapist who attempted murder

A Police Scotland officer who took his own life earlier this year is suspected to have been a violent rapist who carried out a spate of attacks.

The force said it has identified a number of alleged victims of Alan Greer, 47, amid one of the "largest and most complex enquiries ever undertaken" by its anti-corruption unit.

Work is ongoing to investigate the extent of the reported offending - which includes attempted murder - and to identify and support any other potential victims.

Assistant Chief Constable Lynn Ratcliff, professionalism and assurance, 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."

Scottish First Minister John Swinney said he was "absolutely horrified" by what had happened and "deeply concerned about the fact that this has been able to be carried out by a serving police officer".

He 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."

Greer joined Strathclyde Police in 2009 before it merged with Police Scotland in 2013.

The force confirmed that he worked as a PC.

A major police probe was launched at the end of 2025 following a complaint relating to a non-recent serious sexual assault being carried out by an unidentified officer.

The anti-corruption unit got to work and subsequently arrested Greer on 24 April 2026.

A number of electronic devices were seized during the search of a property in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, and enquiries into the contents of these are continuing.

Greer was released without charge pending further investigation and was suspended from duty.

He was found dead at the Wishaw property on 6 May 2026.

The force said there were "no suspicious circumstances", and the circumstances of the death following police contact are now subject of a Crown Office-directed investigation by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC).

PIRC said it will report its finding to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) in "due course".

Police Scotland said further investigations have identified a number of alleged victims of serious sexual offending at the hands of Greer, who are now being supported by specialist officers and partner agencies.

ACC Ratcliff added: "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."

Police Scotland enquiry team helplines:

• Email: OperationSubmarine@scotland.police.uk
• Phone: 07484 438 539 / 0300 426 6644

Police complaints and concerns relating to allegations of corruption or serious abuse can be reported via Crimestoppers.

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Rape Crisis Scotland has urged anyone in need of support to call its helpline on 08088 01 03 02 between the hours of 5pm and midnight.

Nicola Love, the charity's external affairs manager, said: "Our main thoughts today are with the women who have been affected, both those who have spoken out and those who have not.

"A survivor has shown tremendous bravery to come forward to report what has happened to her, and her making that report is ultimately what has forced the deplorable acts perpetrated by Alan Greer into the light and led him to be removed from the force."

Scotland's Justice Secretary Neil Gray also praised the bravery of the alleged victims.

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."

Mr Gray said he had spoken to Chief Constable Jo Farrell regarding the "terrible case".

He added: "I have been assured that this investigation is ongoing and I expect it to be handled professionally and with transparency.

"I would encourage anyone with information or who may have been a victim in this case to speak to Police Scotland."

(c) Sky News 2026: PC who took own life alleged to have been violent rapist who attempted murder