Grooming Gang Statistics: British Pakistanis Overrepresented in UK Cases

Recent data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) reveals concerning patterns in the ethnic composition of grooming gang suspects across England and Wales. The 2024 figures highlight significant overrepresentation of British Pakistanis among those arrested for these offenses.

Key Findings from the NPCC Report

• Ethnic breakdown: Of suspects with recorded ethnicity:
  • 50% were white British
  • 12.5% were British Pakistani
• Population comparison: British Pakistanis constitute just 2.5% of England and Wales’ population (2021 census)
• Data limitations: Ethnicity was recorded for only 30% of suspects

Concerns About Data Collection

The 2022 Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse criticized the inconsistent recording of offender, victim, and offense data. Deputy Chief Constable Becky Riggs, NPCC lead for child protection, noted:

“Out of 44 police forces, very few would say there isn’t a crime of that type being investigated in their area.”

Survivor Stories Highlight Systemic Failures

Five women shared their harrowing experiences with BBC Newsnight, revealing patterns of abuse and institutional neglect:

Kate’s Story (Telford)

• Abused by 70+ men, primarily of Pakistani origin
• Two offenders convicted (Mohammed Ali Sultan and Shahmeel Khan)
• Concerns about early release decisions

Zara’s Experience

• Groomed at age 12 by white British offender David Saynor
• Saynor convicted in 2023 for 15 offenses against eight girls

Fiona’s Account (Bradford)

• Abused by predominantly British Asian gang from age 14
• Nine men convicted in 2019
• Reported abuse to adults who failed to act

Chantelle’s Case (Manchester)

• Groomed from age 11 by British Asian men
• Police found her naked in suspect’s home but failed to document abuse

Jade’s Ordeal (Buckinghamshire)

• Abused by hundreds of men, primarily British Asian
• Wrongfully convicted for offenses related to her abuse
• Supported by Maggie Oliver Foundation to clear her name

Understanding the Context

While the data shows ethnic disparities, experts caution against simplistic conclusions:

• Incomplete ethnicity data limits analysis
• Grooming occurs across all ethnic groups
• Socioeconomic factors and institutional failures play significant roles

If you’ve been affected by these issues, support is available through the BBC Action Line.