PAEDOPHILE gangs who are sexually exploiting children in Bury are being warned they have nowhere to hide.

A number of arrests have been made by police investigating reports that vulnerable, underage girls are being plied with alcohol and drugs and being sexually abused by groups of men in the Clarence Park and Openshaw Park areas of Bury.

Officers are taking a zero-tolerance approach to suspects, gathering evidence and disrupting the pattern of offending.

A task force was set up after police identified a pattern of abuse, and the multi-agency Phoenix CSE team has been working to identify offences and suspects and providing specialist support to victims.

Officers have moved to reassure the public after social media reports that there are currently 50 children being sexually exploited in the borough — and that it is being covered up.

Police and council sources dispute that figure, saying that there are currently eight active cases in Bury.

A dedicated team including the police, Bury Council and other partner agencies has been set up to tackle child sexploitation.

Victims and their families are being given support and extra officers have been drafted in to help with the investigation.

Police have have increased the number of visible police patrols and are working with the community as part of a wider disruption plan.

Superintendent Rick Jackson, of GMP’s Bury borough, said: “Tackling child sexual exploitation is a priority for GMP and we will continue to work closely with our partners to safeguard children and prosecute offenders.

“It is vital that we hear from anyone who has been a victim, or knows something that could help with this investigation, please be assured there are measures in place to support people who come forward.’ “Please, if you have information, contact the Bury Phoenix team on 0161 856 8002 or 101, reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A council spokesman said: "We are currently working with nine people.

"We have robust procedures in place to support affected young people and protect children from harm and will await the outcomes of the police investigations."

Visit itsnotokay.co.uk for information for children, young people, parents, carers and professionals on how to spot the signs of child sexual exploitation and what to do about it.