AN MEP who is campaigning against human trafficking said the public had to be the police's "eyes and ears" today as 12 men were arrested under an investigation into a child sex ring.

A dozen men, aged between 21 and 37 years old, were arrested on suspicion of a variety of offences including causing the prostitution of females under the age of 18, administrating drugs for the purpose of rape, trafficking, grooming and rape.

There are believed to be 24 girls, aged between 11 and 16, involved but there could be more victims.

Liberal Democrat MEP Catherine Bearder has spearheaded a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the problem of trafficking in our towns and cities. On Monday, she is opening a training seminar on human trafficking at Oxford Brookes University.

And, following this morning’s raids, Ms Bearder said: “There is no doubt trafficking is happening in our neighbourhoods, but is almost always unseen or unnoticed.

“I cannot stress how important it is for everyone to be alive to the potential for this terrible abuse to be happening right under their noses.”

She is working to encourage Europe’s budget airlines to train cabin crew and ground staff to spot the tell-tale signs of trafficking victims.

Esther Davidson, from Oxford Community Against Trafficking added: “When trafficking was exposed in Oxford last year, our city was shocked that it could happen here.

“We now have to face the fact modern slavery takes place in our community, and it involves children.

“Yes, criminals are at work, but they are also exploiting demand. Demand for sex with under-age children is completely unacceptable.”

Ms Bearder said: “Tackling this terrible child abuse is a priority and I congratulate police in Oxford and the victim support teams for putting so much effort into this investigation.

“There may be other people in the community who have been affected and I would urge them to come forward and seek help.”