Rotherham taxi licences revoked in child sex abuse probe

Two taxi drivers in Rotherham who were arrested on suspicion of sexual offences against under-age girls have had their licences revoked.

The men, aged 36 and 37, were bailed after being detained on Monday.

Rotherham Borough Council said the men, who held private hire licences, could appeal against its decision.

Police said the arrests, over offences allegedly committed between 1994 and 2003, were part of an inquiry into child sexual exploitation in Rotherham.

Three men, aged 35, 38 and 39, who were arrested in Goole, East Yorkshire, in November as part of the same inquiry remain on bail.

Karl Battersby, of Rotherham Borough Council, said: "Public safety is our prime concern and we have to react to information that we receive.

"Following consultation with both the public and the licensed trade, we will shortly be introducing robust new standards for licensing drivers, vehicles and operators.

"The council is determined to make sure that the public can have complete confidence in the taxi service in Rotherham."

An independent report into child sexual exploitation in the town said taxis were used by abusers in Rotherham to traffic victims.