POLICE are still trying to establish the number of alleged victims after a man and two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with children in Cirencester.

A 23-year-old man and two boys aged 17, all from Cirencester, were arrested on Wednesday, September 7, on suspicion of sexual activity with children.

The suspects are on bail until December 12 while the police investigation continues.

There are currently 10 alleged offences between the three people arrested.

Police said officers are visiting 'a number of children' as part of the investigation.

A Gloucestershire Police spokeswoman told the Standard: “Enquiries are ongoing with partner agencies to visit a number of children and continue other enquiries regarding media devices seized.

“We are still trying to establish the number of victims involved.”

Police officers arrested two of the alleged offenders in Cirencester and one in Stroud, as part of a probe by the county’s multi-agency Child Abuse Investigation Team into child sexual exploitation.

Following the arrests there has been concern in the community about how many alleged victims there could be.

There have also been questions raised about the decision to release the arrested man and teens on bail.

A police spokeswoman said: "We would like to reassure parents concerned about CSE (child sexual exploitation) that Gloucestershire Constabulary has a dedicated team to combat CSE in the county. It's made up of police officers, youth support and family workers and social care practitioners.

"This multi-agency approach ensures that we identify those most at risk of being preyed upon, by sharing expertise and working together as one team.

"Children and young people that are the victims of sexual exploitation often do not recognise that they are being exploited. However, there are a number of telltale signs that a child may be being groomed for sexual exploitation.

These include:

  • going missing for periods of time or regularly returning home late
  • regularly missing school or not taking part in education
  • appearing with unexplained gifts or new possessions
  • associating with other young people involved in exploitation
  • having older boyfriends or girlfriends
  • suffering from sexually transmitted infections
  • mood swings or changes in emotional wellbeing
  • drug and alcohol misuse
  • displaying inappropriate sexualised behaviour.

"As a parent or carer, it is important to discuss with children the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships to help highlight potential risks to them.

"There are also a number of practical steps you can take to protect children such as:

  • staying alert to changes in behaviour or any physical signs of abuse such as bruising
  • being aware of new, unexplained gifts or possessions and carefully monitoring any episodes of staying out late or not returning home
  • exercising caution around older friends your child may have, or relationships with other young people where there appears to be a power imbalance
  • making sure you understand the risks associated with your child being online and putting measures in place to minimise these risks.

"If you are concerned that a child is at risk of sexual exploitation, call police on 999 if a crime is in progress, or in a non-emergency, 101.

"You can also contact the Social Care Children Helpdesk on 01452 426565 or childrenshelpdesk@gloucestershire.gov.uk between 8am and 5pm, Monday - Friday. Out of hours, contact the Emergency Duty Teams on 01452 614194."