MORE than 100 police officers stormed 10 homes this morning in a series of raids over child sex offences.

Thames Valley Police sent about 120 officers to carry out the raid and as a result arrested seven men.

Detectives said the men during dawn raids had been detained on suspicion of rape as well as other child sexual exploitation offences.

The offences relate to three female victims in Banbury between 2008 and 2015.

Oxford Mail:

Local Police Area Commander for Banbury, Supt Kath Lowe, said: “The nature of these arrests may appear concerning and I understand that people may have questions about them. Because this is an ongoing investigation, we will not be able to provide all the information straight away, but we will keep the community updated when we can.

“Tackling child sexual exploitation, both non recent and current, remains an absolute priority for Thames Valley Police and this complex investigation and today’s arrests demonstrate this.

“The news of these warrants today could remind people of something that has happened to them in the past which they wish to report to us."

Alongside the 10 properties raided by police today there was also one property raided in Birmingham.

The force said the men arrested are all aged between 21 and 42 and remain in custody.

Det Supt Paul Hayles, head of Force CID, said: “This morning, our officers executed search warrants at 11 properties as part of Operation Nautical.

“This is a complex investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation in Banbury which has been undertaken by Thames Valley Police Force CID.

“Following the arrests we are continuing to work with our partners to safeguard and support the victims.”

Anyone who has concerns regarding offences relating to child sexual exploitation is asked to contact police on 101.