Yeovil: Police Investigate Sexual Exploitation

19 December 2013, 11:39 | Updated: 19 December 2013, 11:41

Six people have been arrested after warrants were executed on Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation into sexual exploitation offences in Yeovil.

The investigation began in August 2013, after we received information relating to sexual offences committed in Yeovil. 

Enquiries led to four warrants being carried out at two residential premises and a business premises in Yeovil, and a residential premises in Chard. 

The warrants were under the Police and Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act. Five men and a woman have been arrested. 

Four remain in custody for questioning and two have been released on bail until early January. 

Senior Investigating Officer Det Ch Insp Phil Jones said: "Since August we have been building up a picture of intelligence surrounding the sexual exploitation of girls and young women in the Yeovil area, resulting in these warrants. 

"Our ongoing priority is to support and protect the victims of these offences and to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. 

"If anyone has information which could assist our investigation, please call us via our non-emergency number 101." 

For information and support for sexual offences visit www.rapeawareness.org Call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org We never ask for your name or trace your call. 

You can also contact us in confidence via our website www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact For more information about rape and sexual assault, how to report it and where to get help visit www.rapeaware.org