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| Inquiry into sex grooming cases | Inquiry into sex grooming cases |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| A major investigation is under way into the sexual abuse of as many as 20 girls in Oldham, some as young as 12. | A major investigation is under way into the sexual abuse of as many as 20 girls in Oldham, some as young as 12. |
| It is alleged they are befriended by older men, who buy them gifts. The relationship later turns sexual and the girls are abused. | It is alleged they are befriended by older men, who buy them gifts. The relationship later turns sexual and the girls are abused. |
| Police said while it was a big problem, they did not have evidence it was an organised paedophile ring. | |
| They have arrested more than 20 men, five of whom have been charged with offences including abduction and rape. | They have arrested more than 20 men, five of whom have been charged with offences including abduction and rape. |
| In care | In care |
| The men are said to pose as "boyfriends" but they are much older than the girls. | The men are said to pose as "boyfriends" but they are much older than the girls. |
| They are not previously known to the girls, whom they approach in public places. | They are not previously known to the girls, whom they approach in public places. |
| The men provide gifts such as mobile phones, electronic gadgets, and perhaps drink or drugs. | The men provide gifts such as mobile phones, electronic gadgets, and perhaps drink or drugs. |
| After a time the relationship changes and, it is alleged, the girls - a small number of whom are in local authority care - end up being physically harmed or forced into sex. | After a time the relationship changes and, it is alleged, the girls - a small number of whom are in local authority care - end up being physically harmed or forced into sex. |
| The council and police believe as many as 20 girls - aged between 12 and 17 - could have been abused. | The council and police believe as many as 20 girls - aged between 12 and 17 - could have been abused. |