Southend: Four arrested in child exploitation investigation

Four men have been arrested by specialist officers who investigate the organised sexual exploitation of children.

Warrants were carried out at four locations in Southend yesterday (Tuesday 1 February) by our Child Sexual Exploitation Proactive Investigation Team, supported by our Operational Support Group.

Four men were arrested on suspicion of rape and the facilitation of a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

They are released on bail until 24 February.

During searches of the addresses, officers seized digital devices and a quantity of cash.

Detective Sergeant Ben Rushmere, from the CSE Proactive Investigative Team, said:

“The protection of the most vulnerable residents of Essex will continue to be a priority for Essex Police and, together with our partners, we will proactively disrupt any activity that puts those members of our community at risk.

“If you or someone you know believe they are subject of sexual or criminal exploitation please contact your local police or the local authority.

"We will listen to you and take the necessary action to ensure the victim is safeguarded.”

If you have any information or concerns about someone being exploited, you can submit a report online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.
You can also call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

About the CSE Proactive Investigation Team

The CSE Proactive Investigation Team was formed last year and deals with both reactive and proactive investigations that have been referred by partners or from other teams within Essex Police.

They take on both new and older referrals where conventional safeguarding tactics have been previously unsuccessful.

They deal with the most complex and difficult criminal investigations involving the sexual exploitation of children.

Offenders can be individuals or organised groups, they could be using fake profiles to groom young people online, or befriending them and giving them money or alcohol.

The team use a variety of tactics to mitigate the threat they present.
This includes reactive investigations responding to referrals from victims, families, and partners as well as those identified through proactive intelligence gathering.

The team also work with our partners to ensure there are bespoke care plans for victims which mean they don’t have to speak to us if they don’t want to, but mean they are given proper support, assistance and guidance by trained professionals from the many children’s charities we work alongside in Essex.