FOUR more men have been arrested in connection with an alleged Bolton child sex ring after a 15-year-old girl reported that she had been raped and sexually assaulted multiple times.

Three of the men, aged 21, 34 and 45, have been arrested on suspicion of rape, while a 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction.

Detectives are investigating allegations that a 15-year-old girl from Bolton was raped and sexually assaulted numerous times between July 2011 and September 2012.

The arrests follow a series of earlier raids on August 28, when police swooped on several homes across Bolton and arrested five other men on suspicion of rape and conspiracy to commit rape.

All the men have been released on bail until January 15 next year while police investigate further.

Det Insp Simon Davies, from Greater Manchester Police's serious sexual offences unit, said: "We have now arrested a total of nine men in connection with these very serious allegations.

"We said after the first arrests that we were planning to take further action and we have now done this.

"Greater Manchester Police takes all allegations of child sexual exploitation very seriously and we have a team of experienced and highly-skilled officers who are carrying out a thorough investigation.

"The force has strategies in place to combat child sexual exploitation and we work closely with other agencies such as Bolton Council to both prosecute people who target vulnerable children and young people and also protect and safeguard victims.

"Specially trained staff are continuing to support the victim throughout what is clearly a very traumatic time for her."

He asked anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111, or the NSPCC on 0800 800 5000.