The cases are being re-examined following a national review into group-based child sexual exploitation which found it was more widespread, organised, and underreported than previously acknowledged. The force said it took all "allegations or concerns about child sexual exploitation and child criminal exploitation incredibly seriously". Baroness Casey's report, the National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, also found a "mismatch" in the way the way the Metropolitan Police and local authorities record child abuse.
The actor Noel Clarke has been arrested by police at his family home in London. Detectives searched the former Doctor Who star's property in Kensington and officers were seen leaving the address with boxes apparently containing a laptop and documents. The Guardian understands the Met investigation began on 1 September this year and is being led by the central specialist crime command. Clarke was arrested and questioned in custody. He was later released. The reasons for his arrest are unknown.