Man arrested following a major child abuse investigation in Torbay
By Paignton_news | Thursday, February 17, 2011, 15:23
A 19-year-old man, local to Torbay, was arrested this morning in relation to child abuse allegations.
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Man arrested this morning. (Flickr.com image by Graham Robertson).
An investigation regarding child exploitation in the area – called Operation Mansfield, involving more than 50 officers - is being led by Det Insp Simon Snell.
“This arrest is a result of positive action taken by the police and our partners in Torbay. One line of enquiry we are looking into as part of the investigation is the use of social networking and online grooming, but it is important to stress this is one of many enquiries being undertaken by the team,” said Insp Snell.
He added: “What I would like to emphasise, however, is this enquiry is not about child abductions and this is not a case of children being taken off the streets. We believe the victims were known to the suspects in some capacity.
“I would also like to encourage anyone with information to come forward and would like to reassure anyone who contacts the police that any allegations we receive will be taken seriously.”
A letter has today been sent out to parents of children attending secondary schools in the Torbay and Teignbridge areas.
Anyone with any concerns around child exploitation in Torbay is advised to call the police on 08452 777444 and quote ‘Operation Mansfield’.
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UPDATE: The investigation regarding child exploitation in the area is continuing and may involve 20 or more victims. The victims are thought to be young girls aged 12 and above.
Police said the offences include indecent assault and rape over two to three years and the victims were known to the offenders.
A 19-year-old man arrested this morning in relation to child abuse allegations remains in custody in Torquay and other arrests may follow.
Det Insp Simon Snell said: "Children are completely safe to walk the streets of Torbay. They are not being grabbed off the streets."
Police have been working with the Children’s Safeguarding Board and Children’s Services, Health and Education to provide support to the victims throughout this enquiry.
Specially trained police officers and social workers have interviewed a number of victims. Each child spoken to is being supported by a carefully considered care plan, making use of several agencies’ skills and specialisms.
Officers are continuing to identify potential victims and give them the support they need.
By adamjohn78 at 19:56 on 17/02/11
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