SIX people have been arrested as part of an investigation into reports of child sexual exploitation in Glasgow.
A specialist police task force has been looking into claims children were being routinely exploited in the city's Govanhill area.
Five males and one female have been arrested and charged as part of the investigation, which is said to be continuing.
Four people, aged 16, 19, 24 and 42, have already appeared in court charged in connection with offences relating to child sexual abuse and neglect, Police Scotland said.
The others have been charged and reported to prosecutors.
A force spokeswoman said: "Our investigation into reports of child sexual exploitation in the Govanhill area continues.
"However, we can confirm that six individuals [five males and one female] have been arrested and charged in connection with offences relating to child sexual abuse and neglect.
"Of those, four have appeared in court, the others have been charged and reports submitted to Crown.
"We continue to work closely with a range of partners to ensure that support is in place and that children who may be at risk are protected.
"If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected please contact Police Scotland on 101, or 999, in an emergency."
The National Child Abuse Investigation Unit was set up by Police Scotland in 2015 to look into cases of complex child abuse and neglect across the country.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here