PROGRAMMES to help sexually exploited children in Oxfordshire are in urgent need of money, a charity has said.

Barnardo’s said cash was needed after a “massive surge” in child sexual exploitation, which includes grooming and abuse.

The national charity now works alongside police, NHS and council staff in Oxfordshire’s Kingfisher Team, sharing information.

The team was set up in the wake of Operation Bullfinch which in 2013 led to seven men being convicted of raping and trafficking six girls, aged between 11 and 15.

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A further 50 to 60 young women have since been identified as potential victims of the paedophile ring.

Chief executive Javed Khan said: “The scale of this abuse is shocking. Our experts work tirelessly to help these children pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.

“Every day, more sexually exploited children are referred to us.”

Mr Khan said the charity needs £370,000 to appoint more workers to support victims.

He said: “Without further funds we won’t be able to reach all those who need help.”

Oxfordshire County Council now has a 12-month contract with Barnado’s for £80,000, ensuring two workers are based in the Kingfisher Team at Cowley Police Station.

A similar arrangement was previously provided by East Oxford family centre Donnington Doorstep.

Their Step Out programme has three full-time staff who work with about 50 families across the county to provide one-to-one support for victims.

Manager Anna Thorne said: “Voluntary services are in a better position to talk with young people or families who may be wary of social services or the police.

“These children have very chaotic lives with a lot of issues around sexual health, mental health and drug and alcohol abuse. We can get them back into education.”

One of the girls the service helps was groomed and manipulated by a group that included a man jailed under Operation Bullfinch.

She said: “If it wasn’t for Step Out I would still be hanging around with older people taking drugs and being taken advantage of, just because I didn’t have anyone else. It’s nice to have an adult, who can listen and support and guide you.”