Following the charges brought in Operation Ribbon, I welcome the following press release from Wycombe Muslim Communication Forum:
The Wycombe Muslim Communication Forum (WMCF) unequivocally condemns the alleged sexual offences that have been carried out in High Wycombe currently being reported in the media. These offences are intolerable and deplorable.
Protecting our entire community in High Wycombe is of paramount importance and any appropriate measures taken to arrest charge and prosecute perpetrators of such offences and to safeguard and protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, in our community is wholeheartedly supported.
In this testing time, victims of such abuse need to be nurtured and protected. We urge anyone who is aware of such abusive activity taking place to come forward and confide in the authorities to help put a stop to such activities and bring the perpetrators of such crimes to account. We also urge any victim of abuse to have the courage to come forward where possible to confide in the local authorities to help stop this menace. WMCF will work in its capacity with partners to protect and safeguard those who are vulnerable. WMCF also echo the sentiments of Supt Houalla and of Mr Baker MP stating that “Those individuals who were arrested, their families will need support and the community will need reassurance”
The WMCF is committed to developing a cohesive and safe society built on fairness and justice. It actively supports and works for the community and with the statutory agencies in High Wycombe, in the region and beyond to fulfil these aspirations.
Those charged must now face a fair trial and justice. Everyone’s duty is to report anything they suspect or have heard about further child abuse – by the accused or anyone else – to the Police on the Operation Ribbon hotline: 01296 396396. Also:
- If you are worried about somebody who you think may be a victim of child exploitation, you can call ChildLine on 0800 11 11 or visit their website www.childline.org.uk.
- If you are resident in Thames Valley and you have any information about this type of crime, you can contact Thames Valley Police on the non-emergency number 101.
- If you don’t want to speak to police and don’t want to leave your name, contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
- (Update) Victims now aged 16 or over may wish to call Rape Crisis (Wycombe, Chiltern & South Buckinghamshire) on 01494 462222.
You can view updates about the operation or ask questions by following TVP_Wycombe on Twitter.
