Boy, 13, is among six youths and three adults arrested in police crackdown on sexual exploitation

A police probe into the sexual exploitation of children has led to the arrest of six teenagers as young as 13. 

Police carrying a ‘complex and detailed’ investigation raided a number of addresses in Portsmouth and nearby Havant yesterday.

The suspects arrested are a 13-year-old boy from Portsmouth, a 14-year-old boy and two 15-year-olds from Havant, and two 17-year-old boys.

Three men aged 21, 23 and 29 from Portsmouth have also been arrested.

All suspects have been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to arrange or facilitate the sexual exploitation of a child aged between 13 and 17.

Revealing the shocking development today, Portsmouth police commander Superintendent Maggie Blyth said the five month-long investigation, which began in March, had been ‘complex and detailed’ and involved specialist officers.

Superintendent Blyth said: ‘This investigation involves specialist teams across the force and it will take us some time to understand the details.

‘Gathering details from victims is a delicate process and they are being supported through this. This support will be ongoing.

‘We are taking a strong partnership approach to this investigation which will continue.

‘We’d encourage anyone who thinks they may be able to help us to contact us, or if they are more comfortable a social worker, support worker someone else trusted.’

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting Operation Skycap or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The suspects arrested include a 13-year-old boy from Portsmouth, a 14-year-old boy and two 15-year-olds from Havant (pictured) and two 17-year-old boys