Boys aged 13 and 14 among nine arrested in sexual exploitation probe in Hampshire

Nine people have been arrested, including six youths aged between 13 and 17, as part of a police probe into the sexual exploitation of teenagers.

Officers carried out a series of raids in Portsmouth and Havant on Tuesday as part of the inquiry.

Hampshire Police said a number of victims are being supported by the local authority as part of the investigation.

The suspects arrested are a 13-year-old boy from Portsmouth, a 14-year-old boy and two 15-year-olds from Havant, and two 17-year-old boys and three men aged 21, 23 and 29 from Portsmouth.

Portsmouth district commander Superintendent Maggie Blyth said: “This investigation involves specialist teams across the force and it will take us some time to understand the details.

“Gathering details from victims is a delicate process and they are being supported through this. This support will be ongoing.

“We’d encourage anyone who thinks they may be able to help us to contact us, or, if they are more comfortable, a social worker, support worker or someone else trusted.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting Operation Skycap or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

_{Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2018, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) PA Wire.}