The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have launched a major child exploitation investigation after many children and young adults in care were found missing.
According to reports, a PSNI review of cases has identified a group of 22 potential victims. The review disclosed that the care system had realized young people missing since more than 18 months ago.
œWe have identified a group of 22 young people who may be at risk from child sexual exploitation and are seeking to identify those who may have committed crimes against them”, said the police.
It is believed that the abuse occurred outside the care homes in the region. The details of individual cases, however, have not yet been provided by the police.
Health Minister Edwin Poots said more than one ring of criminals might be involved in the alleged abuse.
Poots compared the incident to high-profile court cases, recently reported in Rochdale and Oxford, England, and describe it as a clear case of œexploitation”.
MOS/HE
Copyright: Press TV