SUSPECTED child abusers have been rounded up in a police 'day of action' across eastern Dorset.

Officers arrested seven men, aged between 18 and 24, across the Bournemouth and Poole area and elsewhere in the east of the county on Wednesday on suspicion of child sexual exploitation (CSE) offences.

The alleged offences include causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, supply of a controlled drug, sexual activity with a child, causing a child to look at an image of sexual activity and facilitating the commission of child offences.

Detective Inspector Neil Phillips, of the Dorset Police CSE Investigation Team, said: “Following information passed on to us by schools and social workers, our skilled officers gathered intelligence on the suspected perpetrators leading to their positive identification and location.

"Four girls aged between 14 and 16 years old have now been safeguarded and multi-agency work is now ongoing to ensure they continue to be safe.

"No charges have been made at this time and our investigations are ongoing."

He said the arrests were isolated cases with no connection identified between the suspects.

The day of action and arrests are the result of three separate ongoing investigations into child sexual exploitation by Dorset Police, working in partnership with social services, the NHS and schools.

Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood said: "I am concerned to hear of these arrests, which I believe were in the eastern part of Dorset, although there is not yet confirmation that this specifically involved Bournemouth."

He said he would be "following any developments closely".

Detective Inspector Phillips urged the public and professionals to be on their guard for warning signs of CSE, in which abusers manipulate young people to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money, gifts including alcohol, tobacco and drugs, accommodation, affection or status.

“CSE is a public protection priority everywhere," he said.

"Members of the public, retailers and those in service industries such as taxi drivers, hoteliers and food outlets can help safeguard children at risk by looking out for signs of vulnerability and abuse.

“We encourage everyone from all walks of life to think, spot and speak out.

"Together, we can work to inform, educate and prevent this form of child abuse."

Signs that a child may be at risk include drug or alcohol misuse, sexual health issues and sexualised behaviour, sudden access to money or new things, self-harm, changes in appearance and temperament, low self-esteem, unexplained injuries, criminality, older friends and acquaintances and repeatedly going missing or truant.

If you have any concerns that a child you know may be a victim of abuse report it to Dorset Police on 101, or in an emergency call 999. Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.