BBC
Senior political figures have demanded an immediate and comprehensive investigation following allegations of child sexual exploitation connected to West Midlands high street establishments.
The government has expressed significant concern after BBC reporting revealed that a council worker repeatedly submitted reports to authorities regarding children as young as 11 potentially at risk of sexual abuse at mini-marts and vape shops.
Cross-party political leaders have now united in calling for immediate investigative action, describing the allegations as "harrowing" and "sickening."
West Midlands Police, which initially stated there was insufficient evidence to support the claims, subsequently confirmed it had conducted a comprehensive review of available information and remained confident that appropriate action had been taken.
The developments follow the release of internal Dudley Council documentation reviewed by the BBC, revealing multiple reports submitted to police and safeguarding partners throughout the past decade.
Intelligence briefing excerpts spanning 2019 to 2024 suggested children may have faced sexual abuse risks after being offered drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes at mini-mart locations.
A woman with previous employment at a West Midlands mini-mart disclosed to the BBC that she experienced sexual assault by a shop worker following the COVID-19 pandemic.
She described visiting a separate mini-mart to purchase cigarettes when she was inappropriately touched by a worker who subsequently attempted to force her into restroom facilities.
"I screamed and fled the premises," stated the woman, who was 21 at the time and has since relocated from the area.
She reported experiencing unwanted touching and sexual propositions from mini-mart workers across multiple establishments.
"They were harassing me, making inappropriate physical contact... making statements like 'I'll pay you money to go to the hotel,'" she detailed.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has called for urgent, coordinated police investigation, characterizing the initial police denial of evidence as "appalling."
"These apparently systematic offenses require immediate and coordinated police investigation," he emphasized.
Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson, characterized the reports as "sickening" and described West Midlands Police's initial claims of insufficient evidence as representing a "complete collapse of duty."
"These allegations demand immediate investigation," he stated, "and any individuals who failed to protect these children must face accountability."
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey described the BBC investigation revelations as "harrowing."
"Serious questions now exist for West Midlands authorities regarding what could represent an appalling scandal occurring directly on British high streets."
Government Response
West Midlands Police initially maintained: "Currently no evidence exists to substantiate these child sexual exploitation (CSE) claims connected to Dudley shops."
Following additional evidence presentation by the BBC, the force issued an updated statement that omitted previous "no evidence" assertions.
In a Wednesday statement, a force spokesperson confirmed: "We have conducted a comprehensive review of all BBC-supplied information and currently remain satisfied that appropriate action has been taken.
"We maintain a robust partnership approach to CSE and safeguarding within the borough and across the broader West Midlands region.
"CSE constitutes serious criminal activity, therefore we consistently act upon any received information."
A government spokesperson confirmed expectations that all police forces "rigorously investigate" child sexual abuse allegations "to ensure perpetrator prosecution."
"These reports raise significant concern," they added. "Sexual and criminal abuse of children by organized groups represents among the most horrific imaginable crimes."
Dudley Council politicians across party lines are organizing a special authority meeting to address media reports of child grooming activities.
Black Country Party member Councillor Pete Lowe stated: "I am appalled by the report and the potential that these activities have occurred within our communities."
Share this story