Two taxi licences suspended over grooming claims

The men, aged 37 and 36, were arrested on Monday in the Rotherham area on suspicion of committing sexual offences against underage girls between 1990 and 2001.

They were in custody this week being questioned by detectives.  

Rotherham Borough Council this week revoked their licences, although they pointed out the drivers could appeal against the decision by applying to Magstrates.

Karl Battersby, the council’s director for environment, said: “So far this year we have taken action to prevent six people from continuing to operate as taxi drivers.

“We would ask that the public pass on any concerns about the taxi trade to either ourselves or the police.

"Following consultation with both the public and the licensed trade we will shortly be introducing robust new standards for licensing drivers, vehicles and operators.

“The Council is determined to make sure that the public can have complete confidence in the taxi service in Rotherham.”

Three men, aged 35, 38 and 39, were arrested in the Goole area in November as part of the same investigation. They remain on police bail.

Anyone with concerns about child sexual exploitation should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency. You can also report child sexual exploitation online through the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.