Summary
The Metropolitan Police are investigating multiple group-based child sexual abuse cases in London. An initial review found about 1,200 of these cases might involve grooming gangs, though many types of abuse exist within different contexts. The Met commissioner emphasized the complexity of these cases and the misuse of the term "grooming gangs."
Key Facts
- The Metropolitan Police are investigating "tens" of group-based child sexual abuse cases that might involve grooming gangs.
- An initial search found around 9,000 historic cases, but only 1,200 remained under investigation after further review.
- The term "grooming gangs" can be misleading as it includes a wide range of abuse types, not just the groups typically perceived by the public.
- The offenders' ethnic backgrounds reflected London's diverse population.
- Around 2,000 sexual offences are recorded monthly by the Met, with about half involving child sexual abuse.
- Managing both current and historic cases will need extra funding and specialist officers.
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley discussed the complexity of these issues at a London Assembly meeting.
