Two men have been charged in connection with a series of 24 sexual offences against 13 local teenage girls at locations in Littlehampton as part of an investigation into alleged child sexual exploitation.

Osmon Koroma, a labourer, 30, of Norton Road, Hove, has been charged with eight offences against six girls. They were; two rapes, five sexual assaults and one offence of sexual activity with a child. The offences were committed between 2011 and 2014 and the victims were aged between 13 and 15 at the time.

Max N'Gasa, a gardener, 24, of Cranmer Avenue, Hove, has been charged with 16 offences against nine girls. They were; two offences of rape, five sexual assaults, one attempted sexual assault and eight offences of sexual activity with a child. The offences were committed between 2010 and 2012 and the victims were aged between 13 and 16 at the time.

Koroma and N'Gasa were charged today and are due to appear in custody at Crawley Magistrates Court on Tuesday. 

The charges, which follow an intelligence-led child sexual exploitation investigation by detectives from the Sussex Police Safeguarding Investigation Unit (SIU), working with partners including West Sussex Childrens Services, were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Koroma and Ngasa were arrested on 12 March this year and had been on police bail while enquiries continued.

The investigation has focused on allegations that local teenage girls, known to the suspects, were sexually exploited between 2010 and 2014.

Superintendent Miles Ockwell said; "Anyone who has any information that would further assist this investigation, or who has any other concerns on learning of the charges can always contact us via 101@sussex.pnn.police.ukor call 101, quoting Operation Staple. and arrange to talk in confidence to experienced detectives.

"You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Sources of counselling and support for anyone who is affected by news of this case or any similar cases is always available through the Saturn Centre (the Sussex Sexual Assault Referral Clinic) on 01293 600469 (9am to 5pm with a 24 hours answerphone) or on their out of hours helpline 0800 033 7797."