Rotherham councillor Paul Lakin 'not aware' of child abuse

The deputy leader of Rotherham Council said he was "not aware of the depth and breadth of child exploitation" in the town.

Paul Lakin, who is also lead member for children and young people's services, said those responsible should be brought to task, regardless of ethnicity or colour of their skin.

But he would not be drawn on calls for the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner to stand down.

The Labour councillor told John Humphrys he was not aware of the depth and scale of the abuse and added: "What we need to do is make sure this issue doesn't divide Rotherham communities".

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Wednesday 27 August.