Five arrested over sexual abuse of two Rotherham girls

Today, officers arrested two men in the Rotherham area and one in Sheffield.

All three are men in their 30s, and they are now being questioned on suspicion of sexual activity with a child under the age of 16.

On Tuesday, officers arrested two men in their 20s in Derby and Bradford on suspicion of rape. They have been released under investigation.

The arrests form part of Operation Stovewood - the single largest law enforcement investigation into non-familial child sexual abuse (CSA) in the UK.

Philip Marshall, senior investigating officer for Operation Stovewood, said: "This was a significant piece of activity as we seek to identify and bring offenders to justice as part of Operation Stovewood.

"Sexual violence and abuse can take many forms and affects all communities.

"We encourage all victims to come forward and give their accounts in the knowledge they will be listened to, they will be taken seriously and their needs will be supported throughout.

"I would like to thank our partners and communities across Rotherham and South Yorkshire for their support and engagement as we seek justice and build public confidence in our work."

Officers are investigating allegations of child sexual abuse in and around Rotherham between 1997 and 2013.

If you believe that you were a victim, or might have information that might assist the investigation, visit www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/Stovewood. All information will be treated in confidence.