Police arrest three people in WA over child sex abuse

An eight-year-old girl was one of several children allegedly abused by a group of adults in Western Australia, with an ongoing police investigation.

Three people have been arrested in WA, accused of sexually abusing at least five children.

Three people have been arrested in WA, accused of sexually abusing at least five children. Source: AAP

At least five young children have allegedly been sexually abused by a group of adults in Western Australia.

WA Police said on Friday they have charged three people with 23 offences against one girl - her mother, stepfather and a male friend of both.

The offences included sexual penetration and indecent dealing.

Police are also investigating more sexual assaults to the girl between 2011 and 2016 by other adults at "swinging" parties which were advertised online.

A member of the public found a recording device with videos showing men and a woman in sexual acts with the girl when she was aged eight, and police taskforce Mirzam was launched to investigate.

The girl is one of at least five children - most aged under 10 at the time - allegedly sexually assaulted by a number of adults, with allegations some of the children were drugged before being sexually abused.

Another three people were arrested after police executed warrants at six properties in Perth and regional WA on Thursday, but no charges have been laid and investigations are ongoing.

Another search warrant was executed on a home in South Australia on Monday where electronic storage devices were seized.

Several hard-drives, laptops, USBs and mobile phones have been also seized and are being forensically examined.

Police are identifying other suspects from electronic recordings - nationally and internationally - through the Australian Federal Police and Interpol with further arrests and charges expected.

WA Police's Superintendent Sharon Leonhardt told reporters three children were allegedly given methamphetamines or cannabis before being sexually abused.

"Swinging between consenting adults is not a crime but clearly the sexual abuse of children most certainly is," she said on Friday.

"No one in our community should feel comfortable about turning a blind eye to child sexual abuse."

She said all the children identified as alleged victims were no longer in danger.

People involved in group sex activities may have heard of, or unwittingly been exposed to activities with children, and are urged to contact police with any information.


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Source: AAP


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