Twelve men were arrested Thursday in Oxford over suspected exploitation of 24 girls under the age of 16.

The men, aged between 21 and 37, have allegedly trafficked, raped and groomed the victims for prostitution, according to the Thames Valley Police.

The victims were between 11 and 16, police said.

"We believe we have uncovered an organised crime group who have been running a business of selling young girls for sex," said Detective Superintendent Rob Mason, spokesperson for the operation.

He said that the offending spanned for six years, and police also identified "a number of customers" who they believe to "have used this service".

The warrants executed Thursday were the second phase of investigation into the offending. "The arrests have been made to protect the girls from further harm," he said. "Our number one priority is to protect the victims, both their identities and wellbeing."

 VietNamNet/Xinhuanet