The BBC recently published an investigative article, revealing how drug gangs in London were using underage girls to sexually exploit them.
The evidence, according to the BBC, is based on interviews with dozens of people in the capital over several weeks, including five sexually abused girls, who in addition to the sexual abuse they also tell how they were often lured by groups to sell drugs, trade weapons and steal.
The BBC investigation reveals a complex picture in London, with gangs from a range of ethnic backgrounds, including Asians, operating widely in the capital and often exploiting young girls.
"I didn't think I was a victim," Kelly said, as she revealed she was sexually assaulted by three men in the capital. She was initially forced to sell drugs, but said the exploitation then escalated.
"I had no money, I felt neglected and I saw an opportunity to feel like I was part of something, so I made some bad connections and soon started selling drugs on the street. But this turned into sexual abuse to keep people on our side if we owed them money, or as a lure for them to buy drugs from me and the gang I was part of," she said.
"Girls inside gangs can't say no to sexual abuse. Inside that gang world, girls are at the lowest level and have to do what they're told. And that includes sexual relations," said an official.
"Any individual, group or gang that exploits children for sexual abuse is abhorrent. We want justice for every victim of these horrific crimes," a spokesman for the mayor of London said.
"The Mayor is clear that the Metropolitan Police must follow the evidence wherever it leads and he will continue to ensure that it does everything possible to combat all child sexual exploitation in the capital, including sexual abuse gangs, to build a safer London for everyone," he added.
Social workers caring for the abused, according to the BBC, explained that many of those being exploited came from broken families or had other problematic backgrounds such as abuse, drugs or poverty.
"I was 15 years old. Different men would come after me every night, sometimes 10 or 15 a month," said another abused girl.
"They just gave us drinks, they gave us drugs. The next thing I knew, I was just in the bedroom with one of them. Then I was out. There could be another one. There could be another one after that. Sometimes it was just one. Sometimes it could be three. And then we would just leave," she says.
"I don't really remember their names, but I just know they were from South Asia. They didn't want anything else but sex," she said.
"They wanted nothing more than sex. I was desperate and they would give me expensive things so I would feel wanted and then sleep with them. I felt like I had many lovers who paid attention to me. They were South Asian men who took advantage of my situation," said another abused woman.
