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Theresa May has praised the Sunday Mirror's investigation into the Telford abuse scandal as she called for an inquiry to begin 'as quickly as possible'.

The Sunday Mirror's 18-month investigation shed light on Britain's 'worst ever' child grooming scandal where up to 1,000 children could have suffered in the Telford abuse scandal.

Girls were lured from their families to be drugged, beaten and raped in an epidemic that, say victims, is still ongoing.

Three people were murdered and two others died in tragedies linked to the scandal.

The Prime Minister said "we have all been shocked" by the "horrific" case.

During PMQs , Tory Telford MP Lucy Allan said: "Like many towns and cities across the country, Telford has had some experiences of distressing cases of child sexual exploitation."

(Image: ITV)

She asked the Prime Minister to praise the work of the Sunday Mirror in shedding light on the horrific abuse.

"Will (Mrs May) join me in congratulating two brave women - campaigner Holly Archer and Sunday Mirror journalist Geraldine MckElvie - for their work in bringing this about, and will she agree to do everything possible to ensure this inquiry starts without delay and leaves no stone unturned?"

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Mrs May replied: "I think we have all been shocked by the horrific case that we have seen in Telford of some of the most vulnerable in our country being preyed upon by ruthless criminals.

(Image: Sunday Mirror)

"Sadly, of course, this is not the first example that we have seen taking place across our country.

"I'm very happy to join (Ms Allan) in congratulating Holly and Geraldine for the work that they have done - this is not easy but it is right that they have brought this to light and that action can be taken.

"I am pleased that the authorities are now going to conduct an inquiry: it is, as (Ms Allan) says, important that it begins its work in order to get to the truth and does that as quickly as possible."