THE BACKGROUND
SOCIAL media has been awash with explosive – and unproven – claims about child sexual exploitation in Govanhill in recent weeks.
Live videos filmed from the streets of the South Side neighbourhood have gone viral with unsubstantiated allegations that vile criminals are rife in the area.
But police have now publicly said on two occasions that the claims are unfounded and that they have received no evidence with which to work to investigate the allegations.
Donna Duffy, Greater Glasgow Police’s head of public protection, said in December 2020 that there was “no evidence” to back up claims that children in Govanhill were being sexually exploited.
She urged anyone with information to come forward, either to police or partner organisations.
Complaints often centre on Govanhill’s Roma population, who campaigners say are unfairly targeted by allegations.
Arrests have been made and convictions secured against horrific criminals in the area in the past and across the city.
But police are bound by the information the public provide and what their intelligence officers can uncover, meaning the latest slew of allegations have been made without knowledge of any specific crimes being committed.
If you are concerned about human trafficking or exploitation in your area contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or Police Scotland on 101.