‘Serious failings’ left children exposed to abuse in Oldham, finds damning review

Stephen Watson, the GMP chief constable, has said the force’s actions ‘fell far short’ of the help victims of child sexual exploitation deserved. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

Vulnerable children were left exposed to sexual exploitation in Oldham because of “serious failings” by the police and council, a damning independent review has found.

The report found there were multiple missed opportunities to prevent abuse stretching back to 2005, including offences committed by a council welfare officer who was later convicted of 30 rapes.