Three men and three boys have appeared in court on charges relating to alleged child sexual exploitation.

Guilliam Augustin, 18, a student, of Sunningdale Court, Brighton Road, Crawley; Andrew Rose, 19, a cleaner, of Sorrel Close, Crawley; Louis Volfrin, 25, a cleaner, of Eddington Hill, Crawley; and three boys, two aged 16 and one aged 17, also all from Crawley.

All appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court today (March 28).

Augustin was charged with sexual activity with a child; Rose was charged with rape and with engaging in sexual activity with a child: Volfrin was charged with rape.

One of the 16-year-old boys was charged with one rape, with causing actual bodily harm, with affray, with supplying cannabis, and with sexual assault; the other 16-year-old was charged with rape; the 17-year-old was charged with two rapes, engaging in sexual activity with a child, and with sexual assault.

The case was committed to Lewes Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on Friday 20 April and the defendants were all given court bail.

On Thursday (March 26), detectives executed search warrants at several addresses and the arrests were made during the same day. The operation was supported by officers and staff from other areas in Sussex.

The six were charged on Friday evening (March 27), on the authority of the Crown Prosecution Service.

A Sussex police spokesman said: "These charges follow an investigation into allegations received for the first time last month that between October 2013 and February 2014, two local girls, then aged between 13 and 15, were victims of sexual offences at two addresses in Crawley.

"The investigation is still at an early stage and we are working closely with partner agencies to ensure that the girls' welfare is a priority.

"Anyone who has concerns or information can always contact us via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Data.

"All such calls will be taken seriously and you can arrange to talk in confidence to experienced detectives."