NINE men arrested in connection with a child sex ring after a teenage girl was allegedly repeatedly raped and sexually assaulted have been bailed for a second time.

The men were arrested as part of a police investigation into allegations that a 15-year-old girl, from Bolton, claimed she was abused between July, 2011, and September, 2013.

The suspects, in their 20s to 40s, were arrested following raids on homes in August and September on suspicion of a series of crimes, including rape and conspiracy to commit rape and child abduction.

No other children have made complaints of abuse in connection to the men arrested.

The girl who made the complaint to police is being supported by specially trained officers.

The suspects were released on bail while police carried out further investigations.

They have now been bailed for a second time until March.

Chief Supt Mary Doyle, formerly of the police’s public protection unit, who now heads the Salford division, insisted that Bolton was “not becoming another Rochdale”.

Nine men from a child sex gang from Rochdale and Oldham were sentenced for up to 19 years in prison in May, 2012, after being convicted of offences including rape.

Up to 50 victims were thought to have been “passed around” by the men.

Victims of child sexual exploitation can get support by calling the police on 101, report crimes to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or get help from the NSPCC on 0800 800 5000.