The government today announced a new national-level "rapid audit" of grooming gangs, plus up to five new local inquiries. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says the government will launch a national three-month audit, led by Dame Louise Casey, which will examine "cultural and societal drivers" of child sexual exploitation.

The government has been facing pressure to launch a new national inquiry into grooming gangs but ministers have said one was already carried out.

The Home Secretary is reportedly set to announce a series of inquiries into British grooming gangs after weeks of growing pressure over the scandal. Yvette Cooper is expected to make the announcement in a statement in the Commons on Thursday afternoon.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced plans for five government-backed local inquiries into grooming gangs in a clear shift of position on the issue. She said top lawyer Tom Crowther, who led an inquiry in Telford, would help Oldham and four other pilot areas yet to be named, develop their own reviews.

The Home Secretary confirmed plans to hold five local "Telford-style" inquiries in towns hit by child rape gangs. But critics are furious and want a national probe.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said local reviews would provide more answers and change than a nationwide probe.

The Home Secretary has announced plans for government-backed local grooming gangs inquiries. Five new inquiries will be set up, including one in Oldham, looking into child sexual exploitation as part of a pilot, all of which will be funded and assisted by central government.

Yvette Cooper announces £2million funding for grooming gangs inquiryReuters