THE NSPCC has praised the 'courageous' victims of an Oxford sex gang who 'refused to be silenced by a campaign of fear and violence'.

The children's charity applauded the five women after six gang members were jailed for a total of nearly 70 years on Tuesday.

In a statement, an NSPCC spokesman said: "The courageous victims of this vile abuse would not be silenced despite a campaign of fear and violence as they suffered manipulation and assaults by multiple men as young girls.

"Instead they bravely faced these despicable men in court, helping to convict them and ultimately locking them up where they belong.

"Abuse is never the fault of the victim, but sadly child sexual exploitation is an all too often hidden crime.

"It is up to all of us to be aware of the signs of a young person’s distress and be responsible enough to act on any concerns without hesitation."

The charity also urged anyone worried that a child was being groomed or sexually exploited to call the NSPCC helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000.

The six men were all sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday.

Assad Hussain, Moinul Islam, Kameer Iqbal, Khalid Hussain, Alladitta Yousaf and Haji Khan were all jailed for between seven and 15 years for their part in grooming and sexually abusing young girls across Oxford.

There were convicted after a five-month trial which ended in March.

The trial had heard harrowing accounts from all five victims describing the abuse they had suffered in guest houses, cars and parks after being plied with drink and drugs.

For help and support, young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk