More victims come forward after groomers are jailed

The key members of the Rotherham grooming gang – brothers Arshid, Basharat, and Bannaras Hussain, along with their uncle Qurban Ali and accomplice Karen MacGregor – were jailed on Friday for tens of sexual offences against young girls.

Shelley Davies was also handed a suspended sentence for playing a lesser part.

South Yorkshire Police said since the sentencing at Sheffield Crown Court “a number of people have come forward to police over the weekend to report sexual abuse”.

Det Supt Natalie Shaw, who heads up the force’s protecting vulnerable people unit, said: “It is incredibly encouraging to learn that victims and survivors are becoming more confident and reassured by the police response to child sexual exploitation and that they now feel able to come forward and share their experiences with us.

“Those who have come forward in the last few days will begin receiving support from not only police, but a wide range of other agencies including the local authority and the voluntary sector.

“We are determined to bring the perpetrators of these vile crimes against children to justice. 

“To victims out there yet to come forward, who may still be suffering abuse now, I’d urge you to make contact with police so we can give you the support you need.”

Anyone with concerns about child sexual exploitation should contact the police on 101 or the new national helpline Say Something on 116 000. 

In an emergency, always call 999.