National inquiry will conduct local investigations and look at wider picture of sexual abuse and exploitation of children

Birmingham and Wales will be investigated as part of an independent inquiry into grooming gangs, it was announced on Wednesday.

The inquiry, chaired by the former children’s commissioner Anne Longfield, will have the power to compel witnesses and obtain documents to interrogate what individuals and agencies “did or did not do to protect children from being sexually abused”.

In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. In the US, call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline on 800-422-4453. In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. Other sources of help can be found at Child Helplines International