Wolverhampton takeaway licence at risk after two former workers arrested

A city centre takeaway could have its licence revoked in the wake of two former workers being arrested over child sex exploitation allegations.

Police are investigating and have applied for a licence review of Pepe's Piri Piri in Broad Street, Wolverhampton on the grounds of prevention of serious crime and disorder and public safety.

The application submitted to Wolverhampton council's licensing panel names the premises licence holders as Mr Abdul Aziz and Mr Yaseer Hussain. They are not the men who were arrested.

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Officers are investigating allegations children have been sexually exploited at the premises. The two men were arrested on August 24, 2015.

Police today said the men who are alleged to have committed the offences no longer work at the restaurant and are banned from visiting it.

The report states allegations were made against two men who worked at the premises regarding the 'sexual exploitation of children'.

It adds: "These acts of exploitation have been committed at Pepe's Piri Piri as well as in the takeaways' delivery vehicles and a further location. The children involved have been safeguarded at this time but it is not known if there are further victims."

The report says police arrested two men employed at the premises on August 24, 2015. The report adds: "West Midlands Police are gravely concerned that due to the serious nature of the recent incidents, and the yet to be determined knowledge of the incidents by both premises licence holders, there is a likelihood that there could be further serious incidents at this venue.

"West Midlands Police are in support of local businesses, however we cannot support this venue when there is a severe risk to public safety, harm to children and crime being conducted by staff at the premises." Wolverhampton council will hold a licence review hearing next week. There are several possible outcomes, including the takeaway having its licence revoked.

Wolverhampton Police Superintendent Mike O'Hara, said: "Two men, both aged 29 and from Birmingham, were arrested on suspicion of committing sexual offences against a teenage girl. They are on bail while the investigation progresses and these men are both subject to bail conditions which seek to maximise the safety of young people. In addition, both men are banned from visiting the premises in question."

The takeaway refused to comment.