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| Eight arrested over conspiracy to rape in Newcastle | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Seven men and one woman have been arrested in Newcastle on suspicion of conspiracy to rape as part of a police investigation into sexual offences. | Seven men and one woman have been arrested in Newcastle on suspicion of conspiracy to rape as part of a police investigation into sexual offences. |
| Northumbria Police said 11 properties in the city had been searched as part of Operation Sanctuary. | Northumbria Police said 11 properties in the city had been searched as part of Operation Sanctuary. |
| A force spokesman said the inquiry involved allegations of sexual assault involving teenage girls and young women - some in care of the local authority. | |
| The city council said it was working with police to help alleged victims. | The city council said it was working with police to help alleged victims. |
| 'Extremely serious' | |
| Council leader Nick Forbes said the authority was informed about the investigation a week ago and he was "shocked and appalled" by the allegations. | |
| Leading the police operation, temporary Assistant Chief Constable Gary Calvert said: "This is a sensitive investigation which is at a very early stage and moving rapidly. | |
| "I understand that these types of allegations can cause the public concern and I want to reassure the community that police take crimes of this nature extremely seriously and will thoroughly investigate them. | |
| "Our overarching priority is to protect any victims or potential victims and to bring any offenders to justice." |