Abusers 'prey on under-18 nights' in Telford, street pastors claim

Pastors raised concerns in a report on tackling child exploitation in Telford and Wrekin following Operation Chalice which saw seven men jailed in 2012.

Supt James Tozer said police "worked closely" with the volunteer pastors.

'Unknown scale'

"The local community, including street pastors, play a vital role in tackling child sexual exploitation and we welcome any information which could help us to stop people committing these offences," he said.

Mr Osmund-Smith, who co-ordinates a team of 21 street pastors working alongside police community support officers and outreach workers, told the BBC: "We see the same vehicles, containing the same men. They are looking out for the girls and they are there for one thing.

"There have been occasions where pastors have stopped girls getting into the cars."

Operation Chalice led to prosecutions for a range of offences including rape, controlling prostitution and sexual activity with girls, some as young as 13.

The Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee report from Telford and Wrekin Council said it was believed there were "far more" victims of child sexual exploitation (CSE) than those seeking help.

"Despite the success of Operation Chalice, it is clear that CSE is still taking place in Telford and Wrekin, although the true scale of this crime is unknown," it said.

From September 2014 to September 2015, 256 child sex crimes were recorded in Telford and Wrekin - the highest per capita in England and Wales, according to Home Office figures.

In Telford and Wrekin there were 15.1 recorded cases per 10,000 residents, compared with 14.1 in Rochdale, and 13.5 in both Stoke-on-Trent and Rotherham.

The NSPCC, while describing the Telford figures as "shocking", said they suggested victims were more confident about coming forward.