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More arrests are likely in connection with a recently exposed paedophile ring in Greater Manchester, according to a police chief constable.
Nine men from Rochdale and Oldham were handed jail sentences this week for multiple counts of exploitation involving girls as young as 13.
The offenders were convicted based on the testimonies of five girls, but investigating officers believe there may be as many as 47 victims.
Peter Fahy of Greater Manchester Police said that he hopes other victims will come forward to give evidence now that the group's ring leaders are behind bars.
He told the BBC: "They are damaged individuals, they have weaknesses in their own backgrounds which we know will be exploited by defence solicitors.
"But I think the sentences will send out a strong message and hopefully will encourage more victims to come forward.
"The public are getting a better understanding of this particular (grooming) problem and that will mean we will be able to do more investigation."
Fahy was unable to disclose when further arrests might take place for operational reasons.
