THE man who led the hunt for the Bullfinch sex attackers has today appealed for anyone else being sexually abused to come forward, telling them: We do understand, we do care, and we can help.

Simon Morton, the senior investigating officer, spoke out minutes after seven of nine men were found guilty of sexually abusing girls in Oxford.

He paid tribute to the victims in the Bullfinch case for coming forward but pledged to help any other women being exploited or trafficked.

He said: "I am honoured to be standing in front of you today to talk on behalf of the victims. Their lives have been a living hell. And now they have had to go through that again in court.

"I spoke to the girls when they finished giving their evidence and it came across to me that they were really proud of giving their evidence.

"But over and above that they gave their evidence to protect other girls from this gang.

"I just hope now that they can draw a line and get on with their lives I really hope it inspires others to come forward.

"Operation Bullfinch has really opened our eyes and we have made sweeping changes across the Thames Valley.

"We do understand, we do care, and we can help. Even if you don't want to make a statement we need to know who these men are to stop them.

"Those vile predators in the dock today, those that have been found guilty groom, isolate and sexually absue their victims to the point of torture. It is really important that we stamp this horrific crime out now.

"Those that have been found guilty are in exactly the right place and that is behind bars."