40 children face sex-abuse risk

A TOTAL of 40 Oldham children are considered at risk of sexual exploitation.

The figure was obtained in an investigation that reveals 436 children are at risk across Greater Manchester. Of the total, 165 are currently the subject of police investigations.

The figures have been released following several prominent national cases - including the prosecution of nine men convicted in May 2012 for running a child sex exploitation ring in Rochdale.

Oldham’s figure is fourth-highest of the 10 councils in Greater Manchester, behind Manchester, Rochdale and Trafford.

Assistant chief constable Dawn Copley said the issue has become one of the force’s top priorities.