Police have arrested a ninth man on suspicion of rape and sexual grooming following raids in Oxford this morning.

More than 100 officers carried out the dawn raids at eight properties across the city.

The force had arrested eight people as a result, and this afternoon confirmed a ninth man, 34 and of no fixed abode, had been arrested.

The others were two 36-year-olds, a 29-year-old, a 31-year-old, a 44-year-old, a 45-year-old, a 33-year-old, and a 37-year-old.

Thames Valley Police said the offences related to female victims in Oxford between 1999 and 2007 and involved indecent assault, engaging in sexual activity with a child, sexual grooming, and rape.

It added it was investigating about 60 offences in connection with this operation, code-named Sabaton.

Detective Superintendent Joe Kidman told journalists at the force's Kidlington headquarters that the men are suspected of offences including rape, sexual grooming and indecent assault.

He said: “This is a complex investigation into Child Sexual Exploitation in Oxford undertaken by the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit.

“We are working with our partners at Oxfordshire County Council to safeguard and support the victims, whose identities will be protected.

“I understand today’s 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 arrests today demonstrate this.

“There might be people listening to this today and it may remind them of something that has happened to them, if that is the case then please pick up the phone and call Thames Valley Police on our 24-hour number 101. If you don’t want to speak to police you can call Crimestoppers anonymously.

“We would encourage all victims of child sexual exploitation to come forward and speak to us in confidence. We will listen to you and we will support you.“

Hannah Farncombe, head of safeguarding at the county council said: “Oxfordshire County Council has been working closely with Thames Valley Police as part of the Operation Sabaton investigation team.

“Six social workers have been working alongside police officers and staff and their main task has been to work with the victims as part of the process of obtaining disclosures and we will continue to provide ongoing support throughout the investigation.

“The council, Thames Valley Police and our partners work closely to pursue all cases, including non-recent cases."

Lisa Ward, director of the Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Centre, 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.

"We also know that high profile cases have an impact on all the survivors who live in our county. Anyone who needs support is warmly invited to contact our helpline on 01865 726295. Further details of our other services can also be found on our website (www.osarcc.org.uk)."

 

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