Police smashed a network of vile "Paedophile Parties", during a four year operation that saw more than 100 arrests.
"Operation Engage" was launched by Lancashire Police in 2005, following reports of young girls being picked-up and taken to parties, where they were abused by groups of men.
Four years on, officers have revealed that a network of paedophiles has been operating a sex-trafficking ring across the North West, with links to similar groups nationwide.
Vulnerable young girls were the victims of the gangs which operated across the region.
After plying them with gifts and alcohol to gain their victim's trust, the predatory men would invite them to attend a party as their "girlfriend", where they are abused.
More than 100 charges have now been brought against the perverts involved, with 28 men convicted of organising and engaging in sexual activities with young girls.
Detective Sergeant Mark Whelan, head of "Operation Engage", said: "We see children being taken to Blackpool, Burnley, Preston and Manchester.
"The girl is at a house party, thinking she's with her boyfriend. But whilst she’s there, he might ask her to have sex with a friend.
"She's performing sex acts for favours, but thinks she's protecting the man she loves.
"It is not really about a group of old men waiting for a child to be delivered to them.
"The much greater majority is children picked up, taken to a party or a 'pad' and whilst there, they may be abused.
"Children are being groomed into having sex with a paedophile. That's the bottom line."
Operation Engage includes police officers, social services, and charity workers, and has become a leading authority on child exploitation nationwide, unearthing links to criminal sexual activity across the UK.
The unit is focused on identifying and arresting offenders who groom teenagers for sex, and also provides emotional support to their families.
Detective Sgt Whelan said: "Prosecution statistics don't fully reflect the level of work which goes into tackling the trafficking of local kids.
"Are we displacing offenders? No, we are arresting them.
"If we know that children are taken or trafficked out of town for sex, we will find the offenders.
"They blame themselves, not realising they’ve been groomed and thinking they are the architect of their own downfall.
"We want to try and catch the lot."
Police are urging parents to alert their children to the potential dangers of attending parties, and to remain vigilant if approached by older men.
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