Rochdale grooming gang leader released from prison

The ringleader of a Rochdale grooming ring that targeted girls as young as 12 has been released from prison.

Shabir Ahmed, known as ‘Father’ to his victims, was sentenced to 22 years in prison in August 2012 for sexual offenses against children, including rape.

This week his victims were told he would be released on license and could not be deported due to the 55-year-old law, despite previous promises.

The BBC understands the now 73-year-old has previously left prison and is currently in a secure location wearing a GPS-tracked tag.