The detective leading a major inquiry into child exploitation in Torbay and south Devon has said the inquiry remains 'very active' with more children being interviewed daily.

He said the process could take many months owing to the need to treat the youngsters sensitively.

Up to 50 officers are involved with Operation Mansfield, which predominately concerns girls aged 12 - 15 years who frequently go missing from home.

Police, social services, health and education bodies have been providing support to the victims.

'This has become one of the most critical incidents that this force is currently dealing with,' said Det Insp Snell.

Teams have held 40 interviews with children, although the force said the figure was likely to increase.

'Forty is not a total number,' said Det Insp Snell. 'We are not finished by a long way. There are still a large number of children we intend to speak to.

'We have to ensure that we do things slowly and surely to ensure that we give these children the maximum opportunity to disclose to us what has happened to them.

'This is a really complex case that may take months and months to come to a conclusion.'

Det Insp Snell, who has ten years' experience in child protection, added: 'Our work with our partner agencies allows the support to be in place for each individual child throughout the interview process and beyond, we are not just letting them go once we have spoken to them, they are protected.

'I really need to stress that the key thing in this investigation is protecting children.'

A 19-year-old Torquay man has been charged with offences relating to the inquiry and has been remanded in custody.

A 22-year-old man from the West Midlands, originally from Torquay, was also arrested and released on conditional bail until April.

Anyone with concerns about the case can call the police on 08452 777444 and quote Operation Mansfield.