Report finds extensive child sex abuse in UK

An extensive report has found high levels of child abuse in Britain, with more than 2,400 victims during a 14-month period that was scrutinised.

The Office of Children's Commission interim study released Wednesday also found some 16,500 additional children are at "high risk'' of sexual exploitation.

It follows a series of reports of "grooming'' cases in which rings of men preyed on troubled underage girls.

It also comes after the police and the BBC have been sharply criticized for failing to take action against the late Jimmy Savile, an entertainer who has been alleged to have repeatedly abused young girls.

The commission found that abuse is greater than had been thought and that many sexual exploitation victims are not seen by professionals and do not have their cases recorded.

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