Taskforce warns of risk to children from 'county lines' gangs

Professionals and parents warned that children from all backgrounds are at risk of exploitation

Police, teachers and parents should be aware that all children, including those from well-off families, are at risk of grooming by criminal gangs running illegal drugs from cities to rural areas, according to a multi-agency taskforce investigating “county lines” networks.

The report into child exploitation and modern slavery by inspectors from four agencies – including police and probation services – said some children drawn into working for criminal gangs were being overlooked, including “affluent children attending public school”, seen as less likely to be identified as drug runners by the police.

Related: 'My safe little town isn't safe any more': the toll of the county lines drug trade

Related: National police unit starts work on 'county lines' drug gangs

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from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2OIu5l5