Telford child sexual exploitation inquiry finds major progress made

Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia John Campion said he welcomed the report, but added there was still more to be done.

“I will continue to use my powers to bring key partners together to deliver change whilst supporting and challenging the chief constable to ensure every single one of the force’s recommendations are implemented in full,” he said.

West Mercia Police assured the public that its efforts would not stop, and said it had taken steps to tackle child sexual exploitation, including a dedicated team in Telford and another that targets perpetrators online and in person.

“We are committed to providing a better service to survivors and, in accordance with the recommendations, continue to focus on effective multi-agency working to protect children and young people from child sexual exploitation,” said Deputy Chief Constable Richard Cooper.

He added that he “unequivocally apologised” for past failures.

Mark Pritchard, Conservative MP for the Wrekin, said he was pleased that organisations appeared to be learning from the “grievous mistakes of the past.”

“Hopefully, fundamental lessons have now been learned, which will avoid any repeat of previous injustices,” he added.