Arrests made in human trafficking inquiry

SEVEN PEOPLE were arrested in Telford today on suspicion of human trafficking as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged child sex ring.

The six men and a woman were arrested this morning after police raided a number of properties which are believed to be in the Wellington area.

The move is believed to be linked to an investigation which saw five men charged last December in connection with a child sex ring involving nine teenage girls.

The men, who are due to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court this month, are alleged to have been part of a gang which groomed girls aged between 13 and 15 for sex with other men.

The seven people arrested this morning are currently in custody at three police stations across the West Mercia Force area.

Chief Superintendent James Tozer said the arrests were the latest part of an ongoing long-term, multi-agency investigation in Telford & Wrekin.

Mr Tozer said: "The investigation is one that we have been working on for some time in conjunction with our partners at Telford & Wrekin Council, the local Primary Care Trust, the United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre and Serious and Organised Crime Agency's Vulnerable Persons Team.

"At this stage I am unable to go into specific details but I can confirm that the investigation began following concerns expressed by local people - much of which was related to the sexual exploitation of underage girls.

"I'd like to thank those people that have come forward expressing concern about unusual behaviour in their communities and would encourage anyone with concerns about sexual behaviour of any sort to come forward and report that to us."

He added:"I can confirm that we expect the work we are doing to continue for some time into the future.

"Please remember that anyone with concerns about criminal behaviour of any sort in their area can call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.

"Alternatively, please be aware that Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555111 if you have information you'd like to pass on without identifying yourself."

By Lisa Rowley