Twenty-one people have been convicted of “abhorrent and cruel” sexual offences against seven young children in Walsall that spanned almost a decade, West Midlands Police reported.

Nearly two-dozen depraved criminals were convicted after a West Midlands Police abuse probe which uncovered abuse against seven kids below the age of 12 for over a decade.

The sick organisation only came to light after one of the victims visited hospital in 2017 which triggered the extensive six-year probe.

The so-called Operation Satchel led to 17 of the group being jailed with sentences ranging from 28 months to life.

The court cases saw wide-ranging reporting restrictions imposed while they were progressing at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

But today the press can name the sick individuals after their restrictions were lifted following three consecutive trials.

Four of the bunch will find out their sentence next month.

Deputy Chief Superintendent Paul Drover, who was head of the investigation for West Midlands Police told press: “Our investigation turned into one of the biggest investigations in the West Midlands into child sexual abuse.

“Seventy interviews were conducted and we heard high numbers of disclosures made by the children involved.

“We had specialist support from the National Crime Agency detectives, specialists in disclosure and exhibits, plus all the support from colleagues at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), local authority social care, children’s mental health services and health services.”

He added that there were “lessons to be learned” from what had happened and that Walsall Safeguarding Children’s Board is helping to investigate them.

He recounted of the victims: “They have been through a significant amount of trauma.

“It has had a significant and ongoing impact on their physical and mental wellbeing”.

“To get the confidence to come forward and talk to care professionals, to police is huge”.

He added: “The safeguarding of children is at the forefront of police, of health (workers), of school teachers, this to me is a perfect example of how we work together to bring a significant case to the stage where … (offenders) will be found guilty of significant offences and receive up to life terms in prison.

“This is an ask from me, for those subject to sexual harm to have the confidence to come forward, talk to teachers, nurses and doctors, police officers, tell us what is going on.”

(Source: West Midlands Police Twitter Account)