Five arrested on suspicion of historic child sex offences

Three men, aged 32, 36 and 37, were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of a range of offences including indecent assault and conspiracy to rape three girls under the age of 16 between 1998 and 2003.

Two men, aged 35 and 36, were arrested in Rotherham on Thursday, on suspicion of rape and indecent assault against two girls under the age of 16 between 2000 and 2002. 

The arrests come after three men were quizzed earlier in the week and all eight have been released under investigation.

To date, a total of 23 men have been arrested and eight individuals have been charged with 42 offences as part of the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood.

The investigation continues to grow and officers are now speaking to and supporting 200 victims and survivors.