Military police were first alerted to the allegations and handed the lead on the investigation to Wiltshire Police earlier this year, after the scale of the complaints became clear.

Hundreds of women have already come forward with allegations of sexual abuse while undergoing medical examinations to join the Army.

Wiltshire Police say their enquiries to date have revealed “non-recent” offending spanning several decades at various army locations.

The Ministry of Defence has said it is alarmed by the allegations and praised those who have come forward for their bravery.

The department also urged anyone with more information to contact Wiltshire Police.

It is not yet clear whether this investigation will be expanded to include women who joined the Royal Navy and RAF.