A MAN has been charged with raping a teenager by officers investigating a suspected abuse ring.

Abdul Jelilou Ouro Kefia, 21, of Duncan Street in Walker, Newcastle, was arrested and charged with the rape of a female under 16 following a report made to the police. Magistrates remanded him in custody.

Northumbria Police launched Operation Sanctuary to investigate that vulnerable women and girls were being sexually abused and raped in Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside.

So far 46 people have been arrested and officers have identified 80 women, many potential victims, that they want to talk to.

Northumbria’s Deputy Chief Constable, Steve Ashman, said: “When we first announced Operation Sanctuary it was as a result of information that led us to search a series of properties in Newcastle, South Tyneside and Gateshead where we believed vulnerable girls and women had been sexually assaulted.

“We appealed for the public to help us and since then we have received a wealth of information that we are investigating.

"We have also seen an increase in victims coming forward to speak to us and that is exactly what we want.

“Operation Sanctuary has expanded to embrace all crimes of a sexual nature on vulnerable female victims.

"All victims are dealt with sensitively by our specially trained officers and we take decisive action against suspected offenders."

Anyone with any information or concerns can call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference Operation Sanctuary, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

Advice and support is available via Victim Support on 0845-277-0977 or Childline on 0800-1111.