'Facebook child sexual abuse party' smashed by cops who stopped 40 teen girls heading to 'exploitation' event

Mirror  UK News

• 14:10, 19 Feb 2016
• Updated 15:39, 19 Feb 2016
• By John Shammas

Some of the girls present were as young as 14 and 15, and police said "the purpose of arranging the party was so that some children could be exploited"

Taking action: Police said that they were worried the teenagers may be exploited

Cops have stopped 40 teenage girls - some as young as 14 - from attending a party that was organised on Facebook 'to sexually exploit them'.
Police officers took the action on February 5 after worried parents and care workers had alerted the authorities.
Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police Jane Sawyers said: "The purpose of arranging the party was so that some children could be exploited."
However Staffordshire Police refused to confirm to Mirror Online if anyone has been arrested.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police added: "An operation stopped groups who were organising parties through social media to attract young females in North Staffordshire with the intention to carry out child sexual exploitation."

Officers believe there have been similar gatherings in Stoke-on-Trent and that they are becoming an increasing issue for local authorities.
Police say they had been made aware that "some sexual activity" had taken place at the parties after youngsters gave information to teachers, care workers and parents.

Rex

Facebook: The social networking site was used to organise the party

A spokesman added: "The response by police and partners has been to look to identify when and where such parties were taking place with a view to ensuring they are being properly managed and young people attending them are safe.
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"On the occasions where we felt it appropriate to disrupt, or prevent parties from taking place, we have done so."
Staffordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis also reiterated the need for youngsters' activities online to be monitored.
He said: "I'd urge all parents to take simple steps to improve their children's online safety.
"This is crucial to reducing the risk of the sexual exploitation of children."
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A spokesman for Stoke-on-Trent City Council added: "We take our responsibility to tackle child sexual exploitation very seriously, and work in partnership with the police and other responsible agencies.
"We will not tolerate the sexual abuse of children and are committed to supporting vulnerable children, and in this case, a range of support work is underway."
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