Charities say their hopeful Operation Shelter will encourage other victims

North East charities say that they're hopeful the revealing of the large-scale sexual exploitation of girls and vulnerable women in Newcastle will encourage other potential victims to seek help.

Eighteen people have been convicted, after police uncovered organised sex parties, where they were plied with drink and drugs, and then abused.

The Police investigation, named Operation Shelter, focussed on offences by sex gangs operating in Newcastle’s West End. It came under the umbrella of Operation Sanctuary which dealt with cases in the wider Northumbria Police force area.

Northumbria Police chief constable Steve Ashman says whole communities must make sure abuse is socially unacceptable.

The 17 men and one woman were involved in supplying the girls with drink and drugs and then sexually abusing some of them.

The gang faced charges including rape, supplying drugs, child trafficking and soliciting children for sex.

Those abused were between the ages of 13 and 26.