Six teenage Rotherham boys arrested over schoolgirl rapes

SIX boys aged under 16 have been arrested on suspicion of rape and other sexual offences.

Three 15-year-olds were detained on Wednesday morning on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and indecent images offences.

A 15-year-old was detained over suspected rape and sexual assault offences, while two other boys — aged 15 and 14 — were taken in for questioning over rape and indecent images offences.

A police spokeswoman said the alleged victims, who are understood to all be girls of secondary school age, were receiving support from specialist officers and staff.

Det Chief Insp Martin Tate confirmed the warrants were in connection with “inappropriate sexual behaviour”.

He said: “A police operation took place on Wednesday after reports of inappropriate sexual behaviour, with a number of secondary schoolboys targeting girls of a similar age in the town centre.”

The arrests were said to be part of an ongoing investigation by South Yorkshire Police, supported by Rotherham Borough Council.

Anyone with concerns should contact police on 101 or the national helpline Say Something on 116 000.

The Rotherham Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) can also be contacted on 01709 336080.