Six more arrests over conspiracy to rape in Newcastle
Six more men have been arrested on Tyneside on suspicion of conspiracy to rape, a day after 15 other arrests.
Police said the latest arrests came after five properties in Newcastle and Gateshead were raided on Tuesday.
Thirteen men and two women were arrested on Monday after 13 properties were searched in the city.
Northumbria Police said there have been allegations of sexual assault involving teenage girls and young women - some of whom are in local authority care.
Council leader Nick Forbes has said he was "shocked and appalled" by the allegations.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Gary Calvert said the force's priorities included offering "support to safeguard those victims already identified, while encouraging anyone else who believes they may know or have been a victim themselves to talk to us".
"If there are any women and girls who have been involved in this activity, even if they don't believe they're a victim, we'd still like to speak to them," he added.
All those arrested on Monday have been bailed pending further inquiries.