Schoolgirls in Havering are being targeted for sexual abuse and exploitation by a group of young men, the Recorder can reveal.

Havering Council has sent a letter to all headteachers in the borough alerting them to the danger.

The letter, seen by the Recorder, confirms men, “thought to be of Albanian origin,” have attended school premises “in order to target girls.”

Mary Pattinson, head of learning and achievement at the council, told heads to be alert “particularly at the beginning and end of the school day.”

More to follow.