Children Being Sold For Sex By Their Parents In Glasgow

17 November 2017, 11:59

An investigation has found that children are being sold for sex by their own family in Nicola Sturgeon's constituency in Glasgow.

The report says that Roma kids being forced into prostitution in Govanhill.

And in a situation that mirrors the problems in Rotherham, it is claimed that officials have known about it for years, but turned blind eye for fear of being branded racist.

Margaret, who owns a bar in Govanhill, told LBC her customers are propositioned all the time by children.

She said: "A lot of the customers get propositioned by young girls. They're offered anything they want for £5, £10.

"Last week, the guy who came in said the wee girl was only 15. She stopped him over in that corner and just asked him if he was looking for business."

Govanhill, a part of Nicola Sturgeon's constituency
Govanhill, a part of Nicola Sturgeon's constituency. Picture: PA

Reporter Marc Horne, who has worked on the story, told LBC: "There was about 12 guys in the bar, 12 regulars. The owner said to raise their hand if they had been propositioned by a young child for sex.

"Every single one of those male hands went up.

"I was astonished to see that and that's when I knew there was a serious problem."

Nicola Sturgeon is the MSP in the area that this report focusses on
Nicola Sturgeon is the MSP in the area that this report focusses on. Picture: PA

A spokesperson for Ms Sturgeon said: "These are deeply concerning claims, and anyone with evidence of suspected criminality should inform the police. The first minister is closely engaged with issues in the area - her constituency office is situated in the heart of Govanhill and she holds regular surgeries and meetings for local people.

"Govanhill, like many areas, faces specific challenges and it is important that all sections of the community are included and involved in addressing those challenges."

Detective Superintendent Alwyn Bell of Police Scotland said: “Glasgow child protection committee and the numerous statutory and voluntary agencies represented have robust, well-established child protection procedures.

"Child sexual exploitation is a constant threat within our communities and an area all partners are alert to.

"As a partnership, we constantly review our procedures in an attempt to continuously improve our services and learn from good practice elsewhere."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A gloved hand puts a needle into a woman's face

Health warning issued after UK cases of life-threatening condition linked to Botox

Kate Shemirani, conspiracy theorist, anti-vaxxer and former nurse

Doctor's concerns that a conspiracy theorist influenced her daughter's refusal of cancer treatment, an inquest heard

Lightning in the sky

Amber weather warning comes into place as thunderstorms bring threat of flooding

Soham monster murderer Ian Huntley has sparked outrage by wearing a number 10 Man Utd-style football shirt in an apparent reference to his victims - 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.

Soham monster Ian Huntley 'wears Man Utd-style top' in apparent sick reference to 10-year-old victims

Dozens of Russian spies have been sanctioned by the Government - including 18 military intelligence officers who the Foreign Office says are responsible for malicious cyber-attacks on Britain.

Revealed: Russian spies sanctioned for cyber attacks including on Salisbury Novichok victim Yulia Skripal

Demonstration on the eve of parliament voting to proscribe Palestine Action.

Five charged over break-in at weapons firm Elbit Systems UK during Palestine Action protest

A fund has been launched in memory of the two men who were found dead in the holiday pool

Sister pays tribute to drowned Briton who ‘died trying to save his friend’ in Portugal

The tech firm whose CEO was caught seemingly having an affair with his colleague on the kisscam at a Coldplay gig has broken its silence after a fake statement from the CEO went viral.

Tech firm launches investigation into CEO caught 'having an affair' on kisscam with HR chief at Coldplay gig

Distressing footage Body worn footage shows PC Lydia Ward being comforted by colleagues as she is bleeding from the nose after she tried to arrest an assault suspect at Manchester Airport.

Student tells court he 'did not know' police officers he hit at Manchester Airport were women

Sandie Peggie is the claimant in the tribunal case against NHS Fife.

NHS Fife calls in cops over threats to staff in controversial tribunal case

Arsenal unveil new signing Noni Madueke at Sobha Realty Training Centre on July 18, 2025 in London Colney, England.

Arsenal complete £50m transfer of Chelsea forward amid ‘bullying’ by section of fans

Appearing in Woolwich Crown Court, each member of the group of eight were jailed for their involvement in supplying nearly a tonne of cocaine over seven months.

Drug dealing ‘gangster granny’ who led family in lucrative £1k-a-day cocaine operation jailed for 20 years

Patrick Howlett, 58

Man who sent £56,000 to Philippines for livestreamed sexual abuse of children jailed for 30 years

The chancellor seems likely to freeze fuel duty once again in the autumn Budget, easing a burden on thousands of households amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Major cost of living boost as fuel duty to be frozen once again

The explosion happened at Biscailuz Center Academy Training.

At least three people killed in 'horrific incident' at Los Angeles sheriff training facility

Jess Glynne usually closes her shows with Hold My Hand, which has become her signature song

Fans chant 'nothing beats a Jet2 holiday' at Jess Glynne concert