Police make four arrests in Banbury area child sexual exploitation operation

Thames Valley Police served multiple warrants today in Banbury and Chipping Norton today leading to four arrests in connection to a child sexual exploitation operation.

Approximately 40 uniformed officers executed the warrants at five properties this morning (Tuesday July 14), four in Banbury and one in Chipping Norton.

A total of four men have been arrested in connection with child sexual exploitation offences.

The warrants are in connection with incidents in Banbury between 2000 and 2007, relating to six female victims who were children at the time.

Detective Inspector Nick Hind, said: “Officers have today executed search warrants at properties in Banbury and Chipping Norton as a part of Operation Junction.

“As a result of the warrants, four men have been arrested in connection with these offences, which relate to six female victims, who were children in Banbury between 2000 and 2007. We will be ensuring the safeguarding of the victims by working with our partners.

“I understand that these arrests may cause concern within the community. This investigation is ongoing and legal proceedings are active, therefore we cannot provide all of the information immediately. However updates will be issued as and when we are able to.

“We will always look to tackle child sexual exploitation, being both recent and non-recent, and safeguarding victims of these offences is an absolute priority for Thames Valley Police.

“We will take all reports seriously. We would encourage people to please contact us as it is never too late to make a report. You will always be listened to and treated with utmost dignity and your welfare will be a priority for us.

“If you wish to make a report, pick up the phone and call Thames Valley Police on our 24-hour number 101. If you don’t want to speak to police you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“If you are in immediate danger please call 999.”

The following four people were arrested by police:

- A 52-year-old man from Banbury was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rape a female under 16, four counts of rape of a female under 16, rape of a female over 16, two counts of indecent assault of a female under 16, making an indecent photograph of a child, and two counts of false imprisonment.

- A 47-year-old man from Chipping Norton was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rape a female under 16, two counts of rape of a female under 16, and rape of a female over 16.

- A 48-year-old man from Banbury has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rape a female under 16, two counts of rape of a female under 16, rape of a female over 16, and two counts of indecent assault on a female under 16.

- A 44-year-old man from Banbury was arrested on suspicion of a count each of conspiracy to rape a female under 16, and rape a female under 16.

All four men are currently in police custody.

Superintendent Emma Garside, local policing area commander for Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, said: “Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation of and/ or pressure on young people, under the age of 18, into sexual activity.

“Whether you’re a member of the public, a parent, guardian or professional working with children, we all have a role to play in helping to prevent CSE. I am grateful to the victims in this case for having the courage to share their experiences and in doing so enabling today’s arrests to be made.”

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