Four held over child sexual exploitation in Manchester city centre

Concerns were raised about three girls in Manchester city centre, police say

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of child sexual exploitation after concerns were raised about three young girls in Manchester city centre.

Greater Manchester Police said "immediate action" was taken to safeguard the girls in January.

The force said two men held on suspicion of causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child remained in custody for questioning.

Two other men were bailed pending further inquiries.

They were arrested on suspicion of arranging or facilitating sexual exploitation of a child.

The men, aged between 18 and 28, were arrested as part of the force's Operation Luka which targets child sexual exploitation in Manchester city centre.

Det Insp Chris Chadderton said: "We know that it can be daunting to report incidents of sexual abuse, but I want to reassure the public or anyone affected that we take all reports of this nature incredibly seriously."