SIX PEOPLE HAVE been arrested in Ballymena by PSNI officers investigating alleged child sexual exploitation.
According to the force, five males – aged 17, 19, 23, 42 and 56 – and a woman, aged 48, were arrested in the town this morning by officers from the Northern Trust Public Protection Unit.
“The males were arrested on suspicion of rape and other related offences,” a PSNI statement said.
The woman was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting rape and false imprisonment.
A number of searches have also been carried out by police, and items removed for further examination by investigators.
‘Not all linked’
Detective Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch said the force was “committed to tackling child sexual exploitation” adding that the arrests “reflect our determination to apprehend those suspected of coercing, exploiting and abusing children and young people in this manner”.
She added:
“It is important to note that although these arrests all took place in the Ballymena area, the suspects are not all linked to each other.
“This is not about organised sexual abuse by a group of people. The arrests are part of a wider PSNI investigation focused on child sexual exploitation.”
Detective Chief Inspector Bones said the PSNI remained committed to tackling child sexual exploitation.
“We all have a responsibility to tackle this issue and protect those who are the most vulnerable in our society,” she said.
“Child sexual exploitation is something that parents and carers everywhere need to be aware of. Think about what your children are doing, where they are going and who they are meeting.
“If you notice any changes in their behaviour or if they receive unexplained gifts that can’t be accounted for such as jewellery or mobile phones or if you have any other concerns, it is important you take action.
“Contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also ring the NSPCC CSE Helpline on 0800 389 1701 or Childline on 0800 1111.”
Comments have been closed on this article as the case is the subject of a criminal investigation.
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