Man arrested over child exploitation

Detectives investigating the suspected sexual abuse and exploitation of more than 20 children have arrested a 22-year-old man in the Black Country.

The man was arrested yesterday at Brierley Hill Police Station, where he is being interviewed by police on suspicion of the rape of two women and sexual activity with a child.

The offences are alleged to have taken place in Torbay, Devon, where police have mounted Operation Mansfield to investigate allegations of child exploitation.

Officers from Operation Mansfield were waiting for the man, who lives in Brierley Hill, when he went to report to the police station in connection with motoring matters in the area covered by West Mercia Police.

The man, formerly of Torquay, was kept in custody until midnight at Brierley Hill Police Station when he was bailed until a date next month on condition he does not return to Devon or be in contact with witnesses.

He is the second person to be arrested in the major inquiry into the suspected grooming of children, mainly girls, aged 12 and above in the Torbay and Teignbridge areas of Devon.

Senior Investigating Officer Det Insp Simon Snell, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "Police continue to interview a number of children in Torbay in connection with Operation Mansfield.

"We are still asking anyone with any information to please come forward and speak to us regarding child exploitation in the bay area.

"I need to reiterate to any families and children who have been affected to please come forward and speak to us — we are able to protect anyone who picks up the phone and talks to us."

Police, working with partner agencies in Torbay, including the Children's Safeguarding Board, Children's Services, Health and Education, are providing support to the alleged victims.

The inquiry is expected to take months and it is believed the total number of alleged victims could be as many as 50.

Officers have so far spoken to 20 potential victims, including two who are in the care of Torbay Council's Children's Services.

Anyone with any concerns about child exploitation in Torbay is advised to call the police on 08452 777444 and quote 'Operation Mansfield'.