Gang targets runaway girls for sex

Detectives believe they have smashed a child trafficking gang preying on runaways as young as 11 for Britain’s sex trade.

Last night, twelve men were being questioned in Oxford by police investigating claims 24 vulnerable girls under 16 were groomed for rape.

Officers suspect gang members targeted children in care or living rough and transported them around Britain over a six-year period.

Amid fears more children may be involved, officers took to the city streets to hand out public awareness leaflets.

The men – aged between 21 and 37 – are being quizzed over a string of offences including causing the prostitution of females under the age of 18, administrating drugs for the purpose of rape, trafficking, grooming and rape. Thames Valley Police became aware of the allegations after a number of girls were reported missing.

Detective Superintendent Rob Mason said: “We believe we have uncovered an organised crime group who have been running a business of selling young girls for sex.

“We have also identified a number of customers who we have reason to believe have used this service.”