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Inquiry into sex grooming cases Inquiry into sex grooming cases
(about 2 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, some as young as 12, in Oldham.
It is alleged they are befriended by older men, who buy them expensive gifts. The relationship later turns sexual and the girls are abused. It has been alleged that the girls were approached then befriended by older men who bought them expensive gifts before abusing them.
Police said while it was a big problem, they did not have evidence it was an organised paedophile ring. Greater Manchester Police said it was a big problem but they could not prove 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. More than 20 men have been arrested, five of whom have been charged with offences including abduction and rape.
In care
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.
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.
The council and police believe as many as 20 girls - aged between 12 and 17 - could have been abused.
The joint inquiry was carried out by police, Oldham council, Oldham Primary Care Trust and the charity Barnardos.The joint inquiry was carried out by police, Oldham council, Oldham Primary Care Trust and the charity Barnardos.
They believe as many as 20 girls aged between 12 and 17 - a small number of whom are in local authority care - may have been physically harmed or forced into sex.