Underage Sexual Grooming: Five Arrested in UK

Leicester, UK—Police investigating the alleged sexual assault and grooming of a 16-year-old Sikh girl have arrested five men and a youth of Pakistani origin. The investigation was launched after her family and the Sikh community raised concerns about her welfare.

This morning, five men, aged 20, 22 25, 27 and 39, and a 15-year-old boy, were arrested from different addresses in Leicester. All remain in police custody while inquiries continue.

Grooming refers to racially motivated sexual exploitation. The UK Sikh community has been concerned about this issue since the early 1990s, however the issue has only recently been acknowledged by the mainstream media and some politicians. In November 2012, the Sikh Awareness Society (SAS) interviewed, Times newspaper journalist, Andrew Norfolf, on the issue of the heinous crime of sexual grooming of young girls by gangs, particularly from Pakistani origin, in the UK. From Mr. Norfolf’s extensive ongoing investigations it appears that racially motivated grooming of girls by groups of Pakistani Muslim men stems from 1990s onwards and is being underplayed by the Police, media and politicians fearing political correctness.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Sharp, who is leading the investigation, said: “These kinds of investigations are extremely complex and it’s important we are thorough with all our inquiries. Every piece of information or evidence needs to be looked at in detail and this means it could well be a lengthy investigation.

“Also, the victim and her welfare is a key priority for us. We will continue to work with her, at a pace she is comfortable with, in order to support her through this process.”

A police spokesperson said: “Local officers continue to link in with residents and community leaders, who are supportive of the police investigations.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.