Facebook sex gang

Facebook sex gang

Probe: Detective Inspector Simon Snell (second left), who is leading the investigation, speaks during a press conference today outlining the alleged abuse on school children that has been uncovered in Devon .

There is a Facebook sex gang who prey on children aged between 12 and 15, in the United Kingdom.

The gang befriends them on Facebook first, lures them out of their homes before giving them drink and drugs, according toThe Daily Mail.

They are then abused or raped.

Parents of 16,000 pupils have been sent letters warning of Internet predators trying to groom children for sex.

Police believe at least 20 pupils and fear as many as 50 have been ensnared on Facebook and other social networking sites over the past three years.

A mother of a 13-year-old girl said, "Weve been told not to let them on these sites like Facebook because they could be meeting up with strangers."

The letters were sent to pupils at schools in Torquay, Paignton and Teignbridge.

Jenny Faulkner, who is Torbay councils "childrens champion," asked children not to go out alone.

"We are saying children need to be careful and be vigilant. If they are going home, they should go straight there."

She urged parents, "Just watch your children."

Detective Inspector Simon Snell said the victims were predominantly girls but also boys.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of child exploitation.

Source: The Daily Mail

Published Feb 18 2011