Three new child sex cases per week, say police

There were 132 concerns reported between April 2014 and February, out of 658 for the whole of South Yorkshire.

This led to 68 offences being recorded in Rotherham — but only seven charges or court summonses followed.

South Yorkshire Police said it had 46 live investigations in the borough at the end of last month and 189 in total across the region.

A referral to police is any reported concern about a young person who may be being exploited. 

It can come from various sources including social services, schools and the public.

A force spokesman said: “Officers fully investigate all referrals and where an offence has been committed, an investigation will be launched. 

“In other cases where no criminal offences have taken place, other agencies may offer support to the young person referred.”