Forty people have been arrested or interviewed over child sexual abuse in Rotherham in the past two months.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) said 38 men and two women have been investigated over suspicion of child abuse spanning nearly two decades.

All have been released under investigation or bailed while enquiries continue.

Carl Vessey-Baitson from the NCA, said: ‘Stovewood is a challenging and complex investigation, with victims and survivors re-living abuse that took place many years ago.

‘To date we have engaged with over 410 victims and survivors and have arrested or interviewed by appointment 94 suspects, meaning this is the largest law enforcement investigation into non-familial CSAE ever undertaken in the UK.’

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council gained full control of its services last year after commissioners were appointed to oversee the council.