Police seek further victims of sex offender

Detectives have appealed for potential victims of a convicted child sex offender to come forward.

Luke Williamson, 34, from Bedford, was jailed for eight years at Hull Crown Court in January, with an additional period of three years on extended licence upon release, after he admitted carrying out a string of sexual offences across East Yorkshire, West Midlands, Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire.

As part of an appeal on BBC Crimewatch Live on Wednesday, detectives said although Williamson had been convicted for offences against three young girls, they were keen to speak to anyone else who may have had contact with him.

"Ultimately, we want to find them and support them," they said.

Williamson previously pleaded guilty to 12 counts of arranging or facilitating commission of a child sexual offence and three counts of sexual communications with a child.

He also admitted causing a child to watch a sexual act, taking indecent photographs of a child and three counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

During sentencing, Judge Kate Rayfield said Williamson posed a "high risk of harm to teenage girls".

Det Insp Cat Slaughter and Det Con Stacey Waslin from Humberside Police, said Williamson targeted girls aged between 12 and 16, and manipulated them into thinking they were in a relationship with him.

"Because of this, many don't see themselves as victims," Slaughter said.

"As such, many may not have reported contact with him, or be aware that they are victims, and we want to speak to anyone who may have been in contact with him, or be affected."

Waslin also sought to reassure any potential victims.

"So often, we see that in cases of this nature, victims are nervous about coming forward through misplaced shame and embarrassment," she said.

"Williamson was practiced at grooming and manipulating young girls for his own sexual gain, and we want everyone to know that there is no shame if this has happened to you. It's not your fault."

The Crimewatch Live broadcast is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North.

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