A MAJOR police investigation is under way into child sexual exploitation and abuse in South Devon.
Schools in the Torbay and Teignbridge areas last night sent letters to parents informing them of the inquiry.
A police statement said that Operation Mansfield 'involves an investigation regarding child exploitation in the area'.
The statement said: "The inquiry at this time focuses on several victims — all of whom are young people.
"Officers are in the process of identifying potential victims and arranging to speak to them.
"The inquiry is at a very early stage and no arrests have been made.
"Police, working with partners in Torbay including the Children's Safeguarding Board, Children's Services, Health and Education have been working together to provide support to the victims throughout this inquiry."
Police confirmed a letter had been sent out to parents of children attending secondary schools in the Torbay and Teignbridge areas.
A 24-hour helpline — 08452 777444 — is available to answer any concerns or queries. Callers should quote Operation Mansfield.
Paignton Community College principal Jane English said in her letter to parents that a 'complex child abuse investigation' was currently under way.
She said none of the exploitation had taken place inside any school in Torbay, but she had decided to inform parents because of the 'real concern' that this sort of thing is happening in 'our community'.
She said the investigation involves the 'sexual exploitation' of a number of young people in Torbay.
Miss English added in the letter: "Let me assure you, the investigation involves a very small number of the total population of young people in Torbay. This means that most of our young people are not at risk of sexual exploitation.
"Our school remains a safe and caring haven for students where they are well protected from harm."
Dr Colin Kirkman, head of Westlands school in Torquay said in his letter to parents that Torbay was safer because of the action police and others have taken.
"However we all need to be vigilant," he added.
Several school head teachers were not available for comment yesterday.
In Torbay there are a total of 8,726 pupils attending the unitary authority's eight secondary schools.
According to Teignbridge District Council figures there were 7,390 pupils in its six secondary schools in autumn 2008.
