Torbay child sex abuse claims

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Police in Torbay are currently involved in an investigation regarding child exploitation in the area.

The enquiry may involve 20 or more victims, who are young girls aged 12 and above.
 
A 19-year-old man, local to Torbay, was arrested on Thursday 17 February in relation to child abuse allegations. 

Other arrests may follow in coming days.
 
Officers continue to identify potential victims and are arranging to speak to them.
 
More than 50 officers are now working on this major enquiry from various areas of policing.
 
No offences have taken place in any school and all the offences are thought to have taken place in Torbay.
 
The investigation is being led by Det Insp Simon Snell from the Public Protection Unit in Devon & Cornwall Police.
 
Det Insp Simon Snell said: "This arrest is a result of positive action taken by the police and our partners in Torbay. One line of enquiry we are looking into as part of the investigation is the use of social networking and online grooming.
 
"I would also like to encourage anyone with information to come forward and would like to reassure anyone who contacts the police that any allegations we receive will be taken seriously."

Anyone with any concerns around child exploitation in Torbay is advised to call the police on 08452 777444 and quote 'Operation Mansfield'.