Eleven males have been taken into custody by the police in connection with an investigation into the sexual exploitation of children. Earlier, arrested individuals were taken into custody at residences located in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and one in Gloucestershire.
According to the Avon and Somerset Police, ten of those who were arrested are being held on suspicion of committing an offense relating to exploitation. All of the individuals arrested are between the ages of 17 and 33. A class A narcotic was suspected to have been supplied by the second individual, who was taken into custody.
The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and the National Crime Agency are providing assistance to the investigation that is now being carried out. Deputy Chief Inspector Jess Aston, who is a senior officer in charge of the investigation, stated that the arrests that were made today are a major milestone in a serious and complicated case.
Despite the fact that we are still in the preliminary phases, we have reason to suspect that a number of children, who are in their middle to late teens, are victims of sexual exploitation. Our top objective is to identify and protect these children, which we will undertake in tandem with our partner organizations.
“Officers and staff with Topaz, our child sexual exploitation disruption team, as well as our intelligence team, have been instrumental in carrying out the enquiries resulting in us reaching this arrest phase.” According to the latest information provided by the force, Neighborhood Policing teams will be conducting engagement and reassurance work with the various neighborhood partners.