WORK by North Yorkshire Police to protect children from sexual exploitation is be reviewed by the force.

Detectives will present a health-check report to Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan following concerns raised by the recent investigations in Rotherham and Rochdale.

Mrs Mulligan requested the inspection of the Protecting Vulnerable Persons Unit earlier this month, and the findings on current policies and procedures, how the police works with partner agencies and maintaining national best practice in North Yorkshire and York will be brought before the Corporate Performance and Scrutiny Group on Wednesday.

Chief Constable Dave Jones said child sexual exploitation had to remain a top priority, adding: “Whilst various recent inspections show North Yorkshire Police and its safeguarding partners have effective practice and procedures, I fully support the additional scrutiny instigated by the commissioner.”