Labour MP for Newcastle Central says she was "ashamed" that her home city had harboured abusers

Chi Onwurah, who grew up in Newcastle, praised victims for their evidence in court which will ensure it is a safer city for others.

She said there was "no excuse" of culture, prejudice or ignorance that could excuse what the men did.

In a statement on her website she said: "I feel personally ashamed that the city in which I grew up, and which I now have the privilege to represent, harboured men who could abuse those they should have protected.

"I always say to people that Newcastle is the best city in the world. Clearly, for these young women, Newcastle was not the best city in the world.

"Newcastle can and must be a place of safety and security for girls and young women and I am immensely saddened that so many did not receive the protection which is their due."

She also wrote: "I want to make it absolutely clear that there is no excuse, neither ignorance, culture, prejudice nor lack of education which can possibly justify or excuse the abuse of young women."

The MP said authorities worked together to deal with the problem and did not ignore the offending when it came to light.

Ms Onwurah said those who sought to use the abusers' Asian or Muslim backgrounds to create division were putting other girls at risk.

She said: "Assuming that grooming and child abuse is prevalent in one group helps potential abusers hide in plain sight if they are not part of that group.

"Crimes of sexual exploitation can be and are committed by members of all communities and indeed it remains regrettably true that sexual abuse is most likely to come from within the family circle."