Toll rises in Rotherham

THE total number of children sexually exploited by Asian gangs in Rotherham is even higher than the original estimate that provoked a national outcry.

A report published four years ago by Professor Alexis Jay exposed widespread failures and negligence by the authorities who did nothing to tackle paedophiles of mainly Pakistani heritage for fear of being labelled racist.

She estimated 1,400 children in the town were abused from 199 to 2013.

A massive £ million-a-year investigation by the National Crime Agency aimed at bringing offenders to justice is still ongoing. There are 144 officers currently working on Operation Stovewood and six trials due to take place this year.

The team has identified 110 suspects so far, with the total number of victims now officially 1,510.