A major sex abuse investigation is being carried out in High Wycombe after more than 100 police officers raided homes across the town today.

Police swooped on the unknown properties throughout the morning with five men arrested in connection with child sexual exploitation in High Wycombe.

Alleged crimes being probed by detectives include rape, sexual activity with a child, arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex crime and arson.

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The arrests are reportedly in connection with the sexual abuse of a teenage girl in 2020.

Police have confirmed five people from High Wycombe – including three teenagers – have been arrested.

Detective Inspector Michael Anderson, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “We have carried out these arrests as part of an ongoing investigation into the abuse of a child.

“The victim in this case has been safeguarded and her support remains our top priority.

“Within Thames Valley Police we are committed to tackling Child Sexual Exploitation and it will not be tolerated by us.

“We will continue to support victims, treating them with respect and sensitivity.

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“If you think you have been a victim or know someone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse, please do not hesitate to get in touch, we will support you, we will listen to you and we will investigate thoroughly.

“Anyone who has been a victim should call 101 or if they are in immediate danger then they should call 999.”

Leading officers have also tried to calm fears amongst the community.

Superintendent Emma Burroughs, LPA Commander for High Wycombe, said: “We are aware that there might be concerns following these warrants in the community, we are liaising with our community partners, if you wish to raise any concerns please speak to one of our neighbourhood policing teams.”

Arrests:

  • A 21-year-old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of rape contrary to Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and sexual activity with a child contrary to Section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
  • An 18-year-old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of rape contrary to Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and sexual activity with a child contrary to Section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
  • An 18-year-old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of rape contrary to Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and sexual activity with a child contrary to Section 9 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
  • A 25-year-old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of rape contrary to Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence contrary to Section 14 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and arson Contrary to Section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
  • An 18-year-old man from High Wycombe has been arrested on suspicion of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity contrary to Section 10 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence contrary to Section 14 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

The 25-year-old man from High Wycombe has been bailed, the others all remain in custody at this time.