THERE is no evidence to suggest children in Govanhill are being exploited, police have said. 

Greater Glasgow Police's head of public protection Detective Superintendent Donna Duffy said there were no ongoing investigations into child exploitation in the South Side neighbourhood. 

She added: "We can confirm that at this time we have received no information or intelligence that suggests children in Govanhill are being exploited.

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"Our local policing teams are engaging with various partners in the Govanhill area on a daily basis. We continue to engage with partners to ensure children and young people across Glasgow are protected.

"Reports that children may be at risk are treated very seriously. If you or anyone you know has information concerning the safety of any child in Glasgow then please contact the police or the social work department and the matter will be thoroughly investigated.

"All such investigations are dealt with sensitively and involve a full multi-agency response, and safety planning for any victims identified."

It comes after claims were made without proof alleging child sexual abuse was taking place in Govanhill, which were widely shared on social media. 

We told earlier this week that police were now investigating the claims. 

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The force had confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday night that officers were looking into claims made in viral videos being shared on Facebook. 

The First Minister, who represents the constituency which includes Govanhill responded this morning to a column which argued the Govanhill Roma community was being demonised by people pushing a racist agenda, by our chief reporter Catriona Stewart in our sister title The Herald, Nicola Sturgeon praised the piece as "very good".