Police arrest nine men across Oxford in crackdown on suspected child sex exploitation gang
Around 160 officers took part in the 5am raids across 11 properties in Oxford, carried out as part of Operation Rolo
COPS raided 11 properties and arrested nine men yesterday in a crackdown on a suspected child sex exploitation gang.
Around 160 officers took part in the 5am raids in Oxford, carried out as part of Operation Rolo.
Thames Valley Police set up the probe after two women told detectives they had been sexually abused between 2002 and 2004, while aged under 16.
Following yesterday's arrests, Local Police Area commander Supt Joe Kidman said: “This is a complex investigation.
";Nine men have been arrested in connection with these offences. We are working with our partners to safeguard and support the victims.
"The nature of these arrests will always be concerning and I understand that people may have questions about them. This is an ongoing investigation, but we will keep the community updated when we can.
“Tackling child sexual exploitation, both non recent and current, remains an absolute priority.”
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Police are also appealing for witnesses relating to an incident involving one of the 16-year old victims which occurred on a night in late 2004.
The girl was walking at the St Clements roundabout in Oxford when a silver people carrier containing a group of Asian men pulled up beside her.
The men told the victim she should get in, then, when she did, told her she would be sexually assaulted before being taken to Cutteslowe Park.
After being let out of the vehicle, she escaped unharmed from the men and ran into the park where she hid behind bushes until they left.
Investigating officer Det Sgt Nicola Douglas, of the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit, said: "We are appealing for anyone who might remember seeing anything relating to this incident to come forward and help us in our investigation.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on the non-emergency number 101.