Two arrests after probe into sexual exploitation in Sunderland

Officers from the force's Safeguarding Department have been carrying out Operation Neptune to investigate offences in the Sunderland area.

And following a multi-agency operation, police have now charged two men for a string of sexual offences.

Darren Trott, 32, of the Sheepfolds, Sunderland, has been charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual touching and one count of sexual assault.

Glen Barrass, 28, of Tatham Street, Sunderland, has been charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual touching.

Both men have been detained in custody and will appear before South Tyneside Magistrates Court tomorrow morning.