Abuse experts at Berrymans Solicitors call for immediate action to be taken over reports that more than 1,400 children in Rotherham have been sexually exploited from 1997 to 2013.

In an independent investigation carried out by reviewer Alexis Jay OBE, the report suggests that children as young as 11 were subjected to ‘horrific’ acts of abuse.

He concluded that the council and other agencies should have done more to protect children at risk.

The personal injury team at Berrymans Solicitors who act on behalf of abuse survivors, have raised grave concerns at the appalling nature and sheer scale of abuse, which span over 16 years.

Vivienne Elizabeth Williams, Head of the personal injury department, said that “The failings of so many institutions who were responsible for the safety and wellbeing of these vulnerable children is unacceptable and those responsible should be held accountable for their diabolical failings. It is thought that many of the victims were already known to social services as being at a risk of neglect, highlighting an extensive systemic failing which must be resolved”.

CAPTION: Vivienne Elizabeth Williams, Head of the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence Department