Legal News

Police raids in Newcastle have resulted in 12 men and two women being arrested on suspicion of the sexual abuse of teenage girls and young adults in northeast England.

The Mail online reports that Northumbria Police were responding to complaints involving sexual assaults against young adults in the region.

The raids on 13 properties in Newcastle took place as part of Operation Sanctuary. Some of the 14 adults arrested could face charges of conspiracy to rape. It is reported some of the victims were in Local Authority care at the time of the alleged offences.

The police investigation has been ongoing for several weeks, following information received from one of the alleged victims. However, the full scale of criminal activities involving sexual abuse is not yet known, say the police.

The leader of Newcastle City Council Nick Forbes said although he was shocked and appalled by the allegations, the public should not “panic” as measures were taken to protect alleged victims in care as soon as the offences were reported to police:

“It's vital that communities pull together through this difficult time and co-operate with the police in what I know is going to be a very extensive investigation over the next few weeks,” said Cllr Forbes.

“As soon as we were aware that some of the victims had been in the care system, we acted to ensure they were safe. It's important not to panic – it's important to remember that the victims and the alleged offenders knew each other, so there are not any teenage girls or women who are at risk as a result.”
“It's absolutely essential that – once the full investigation has been conducted – we look at all the safeguarding procedures and whether anything could be reviewed or improved for the future.”

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Gary Calvert said that, although the investigation was at an early stage, it was “moving rapidly”. He added that anyone with information could approach their community officers on patrol in their neighbourhood.

“I understand that these types of allegations can cause the public concern – and I want to reassure the community that police take crimes of this nature extremely seriously and will thoroughly investigate them,” he said.

“I must emphasise that the suspects do not come from one community, but a range of communities – and it would be very wrong to speculate until we have the full facts, which may take some time.

“We are working closely with our partners – in particular the Local Authorities – and are grateful for their co-operation.
“I would stress there is nothing to suggest there is any risk to the general public, as we believe the victims and suspects were known to each other.

“Our overarching priority is to protect any victims or potential victims and to bring any offenders to justice.”

Duncan Lewis Children Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of children solicitors and can advise on children take into local authority care, as well as child abuse and child abduction by a parent.

For expert legal advice on children’s law and childcare law contact Duncan Lewis children solicitors on 020 7923 4020.