CHILD safety campaigners last night welcomed the arrests of nine men under Oxford’s latest investigation into the rape and grooming of underage girls.

Yesterday more than 100 officers from Thames Valley Police took suspects into custody during dawn raids at eight properties across Cowley and other parts of Oxford.

The arrests come three years after the original Operation Bullfinch, which eventually saw seven men jailed for a total of 95 years in 2013 for abusing, raping and prostituting six girls.

But the police have said the new arrests, made as part of an operation code-named Sabaton, are part of a separate investigation.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith said there was no hiding place for sexual abusers in the city, adding that previous prosecutions were just “the tip of the iceberg”.

Detective Superintendent Joe Kidman said the men were suspected of a number of offences including rape, sexual grooming, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and indecent assault.

He said those arrested were two 36-year-olds, a 29-year-old, a 31-year-old, a 44-year-old, a 45-year-old, a 34-year-old, a 37-year-old and a 36-year-old man, who is of no fixed address. None have been named.

Det Supt Kidman said the offences related to girls between 1999 and 2007, but would not say how many suspected victims there are or give their ages.

Enough Abuse UK campaign founder Marilyn Hawes said: “Good on Thames Valley Police for making these arrests, thank goodness they are being proactive.

“They are listening to the victims and they are taking action – and long may it continue.

“It is endemic, it has been going on for decades and people have chosen to ignore it, but now the genie is out of the bottle “As always there are adults that are walking around the streets of Britain with their eyes shut, because they don’t want to see what is under their noses.

“Child sexual exploitation is absolutely in a league of its own”.

Nicola Blackwood, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon who has fought for tougher legal penalties against child sexual exploitation, paid tribute to the complainants for coming forward.

The director of Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, Lisa Ward, said: “Today’s arrests are a reminder that the sexual abuse of children and young people - especially of women and girls - is endemic in today’s society.

“Our work supporting women and girls who have experienced sexual violence across Oxfordshire tells us that this is a long term, deep rooted problem.

“This case also shows that despite the good work done to bring the Bullfinch perpetrators to justice, we cannot be complacent and must recognise that tackling all forms of sexual abuse and providing specialist support must continue to be a priority.”

Det Supt Kidman added: “I understand these events will have an impact on the community and residents will be concerned about the nature of these arrests.

“As you will understand, this is an ongoing investigation. We are not able to provide all the information straight away, but we will keep the community updated when we can.

“Our neighbourhood policing teams are carrying out patrols in the area, so please do not hesitate to approach them and they will do their best to answer any questions you may have.

“Tackling child sexual exploitation is an absolute priority for Thames Valley Police and this complex investigation and these arrests demonstrate this.”