Update on first NCA arrest over historic child sex abuse allegations

The man was arrested yesterday (Wednesday) by the National Crime Agency as part of Operation Stovewood – an investigation into non-familial child sexual exploitation and abuse in Rotherham between 1997-2013.

NCA officers arrested him on suspicion of rape, two offences of supplying class A and B substances and physical assault, all believed to have taken place against a girl aged under 16.

The man was questioned at a South Yorkshire police station and an NCA spokesman said he had been released on bail “while investigation continues”.

The NCA issued a 12-month operational update on Monday and said 29 “designated suspects and hundreds more potential suspects” had been identified

Operation Stovewoood covers the geography and time period of the Jay Report, which found that up to 1,400 girls were subjected to sexual abuse.