Police arrest 14 in child abuse inquiry
BBCA police force made 14 arrests and seized 27 devices as part of a national operation tackling child abuse.
West Mercia Police said 20 warrants were executed "with evidence indicating that the suspects were viewing indecent images of children or attempting to groom children online found at a number of addresses".
Officers went to homes in Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford as part of a National Crime Agency intensification week against such crimes.
West Mercia Police added child abuse referrals to the force increased by 65% from 2024 to 2025.
"Our utmost focus is on protecting and safeguarding children," said Det Insp Joanne Mayo-Evans, from the force's cyber online child exploitation team.
"This week has brought to the forefront the unseen work we do every week and many children are now safer as a result of it.
"We will relentlessly pursue those who cause harm to children and bring them to justice through the courts."
The investigation included a digital forensics van, which can be brought to any location, and a specially-trained police dog able to track digital devices.
During the week, officers said they also trained people on the warning signs of exploitation and "empowered professionals and parents to intervene early".
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