WILTSHIRE Police have arrested a 55 year old man from Salisbury along with five other people from across the county on Tuesday, October 21 as part of Operation Harness.

The six men were arrested for possessing and making indecent images of children via the internet. They were arrested at addresses in Swindon, Melksham, Trowbridge and Salisbury.

All of the men have been released on police bail pending further enquires.

Over 100 officers and staff were involved in the operation, providing front line enforcement activity, investigations support, public awareness and community reassurance.

Inspector Phil Staynings said: "This is the first time that Child Sexual Exploitation has been the main focus of Operation Harness and we feel that yesterday's day of action was a success.

"The warrants that we were able to execute were as a result of intelligence-led information. This sends out a clear message to our local communities that we will not tolerate any crime of this nature and we take a proactive approach to dealing with all offenders.

"We continue to work closely with partners in the local authorities to tackle both Child Sexual Exploitation and Domestic Abuse - crimes that have long-lasting effects for the victims involved.

"I would urge anyone with any information they feel may help us to contact Wiltshire Police immediately."

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon also praised the work of the police during the day of action and has promised to crack down on child abuse in the wake of the Rotherham scandal.

He said: “One of my strategic priorities is to protect the most vulnerable in society. It is very good to see the force delivering on that priority by seeking to protect -among others - victims of domestic abuse and children at risk of criminal exploitation which may include sexual exploitation.

“We have all been shocked by the evidence of the large-scale exploitation of children in Rotherham and by police and council inaction.

“I am pleased that work has also been going on to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation among hotel and guest house staff, taxi companies and private hire drivers.

“The execution of warrants for child exploitation online will also send a clear message that this sick behaviour will not be tolerated in Wiltshire and Swindon.”

Anyone wishing to report a crime should contact Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.

For more information on Operation Harness, log onto wiltshire.police.uk/index.php/campaignsand-events/4773-operation-harness.