A SUSPECT from Redcar is among more than two dozen people charged with historical child sex offences.

West Midlands Police have charged a total of 26 people and said the alleged offences date back to between 2008 and 2016 and involve “several young people”.

The force said charges faced by members of the group involve numerous offences including rape, sexual assault of a child under the age of 13, and child cruelty.

Those charged, aged between 20 and 69, are set to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on June 22 and 23.

All but one of the accused are from areas of the West Midlands region including Walsall, Wolverhampton and West Bromwich.

The other is from Redcar in Cleveland.

Chief Inspector Jo Floyd of West Midlands Police said that the force takes all reports of abuse seriously and specially trained officers will support victims, adding: “This is a complex investigation involving several young people who have suffered physical and emotional abuse.

“They were safeguarded as allegations were reported and we are continuing to work with a number of other agencies to ensure they receive the support they need as this case progresses.

“We understand that this investigation will cause concern in the local community and I would like to reassure anyone affected by it that we take all reports of abuse seriously, no matter how long ago it happened.

“We have specially trained officers who can deal with reports sensitively and compassionately.”