Council stayed silent over groom gang inquiry 'to avoid panic'

Hounslow says probe is closed with no charges

- By Zak Garner-Purkis Investigations Editor

A COUNCIL has admitted keeping quiet about a three-year grooming gang investigation — because it did not want to cause panic.

Labourrun Hounslow Council said in June there were “no concerns” around organised group-based sexual exploitation of children in the area.

However, after evidence of a Metropolitan Police probe emerged, council leader Shantanu Rajawat told a public meeting it had not disclosed the case because of the impact the news might have on the community.