Arrests have been made in the county in connection with serious child sexual abuse and exploitation offences in Rotherham.

A total of 38 men and two women have been arrested or interviewed by appointment over the last two months as part of the National Crime Agency's (NCA) Operation Stovewood.

The individuals, aged between 29 and 53, come from Sheffield, Rotherham, Leeds, Dewsbury and Maidstone, and have all been released under investigation or bailed while inquiries continue.

The offences relate to 13 victims who came forward alleging abuse between 1997 and 2015 when they were aged between 11 and 26.

Carl Vessey-Baitson from the NCA said: “Arresting such a large number of individuals, as part of one Stovewood sub-operation, shows our desire to listen to victims and bring offenders to justice is not wavering.

“Stovewood is a challenging and complex investigation, with victims and survivors re-living abuse that took place many years ago.

“To date we have engaged with over 410 victims and survivors and have arrested or interviewed by appointment 94 suspects, meaning this is the largest law enforcement investigation into non-familial CSAE ever undertaken in the UK

“Conducting such an investigation can only be achieved with the support and coordination of our partners, and South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council continue to provide invaluable assistance.”

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