A DETECTIVE revealed more than 1000 lines of enquiries were looked at during the investigation of a "horrific" child sex ring in Glasgow.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane described the case as “disturbing” and “absolutely nothing like we’ve come across before” during a press conference at Police Scotland’s headquarters in Dalmarnock.

It comes after five men and two women were convicted of horrific sexual abuse including rape and violence.

The detective revealed a multi-agency learning review into the case will now take place after the “unimaginable” abuse began in 2012 and was reported to police seven years later in June 2019.

Glasgow Times: Speaking after today’s convictions, she said: “This has been a horrific ordeal for the young victims who were subjected to years of unimaginable abuse. Our thoughts are with them today and I hope this outcome can help them in moving forward.

“The levels of depravity shown in this case are extremely rare in Scotland and the courage of the victims was essential in securing this conviction.

“This was a long, complex and challenging investigation for a team of officers and staff who had to work through the most harrowing evidence to bring those responsible for these despicable crimes to justice.”

Glasgow Times: Officers involved in the investigation were commended by the detective.

She added: “[The evidence] was disturbing. However, all the officers involved have been given appropriate support, irrespective of their involvement in the case and irrespective of their specialist training.

“I commend each and every one of them for their professionalism and their tenacity every day to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Meanwhile, it was revealed that the young victims in the case are being supported by a range of partners, “which has been the case from the beginning and that will continue”.

As part of the investigation, it was heard in court that two of the children were interviewed around 40 times.

When asked why, Detective Kilbane said: “We are committed to protecting children from harm and abuse. Any of those specifics will be looked at as part of our learning review that’s to follow.”

Glasgow Times: She added: “[The case] is absolutely like nothing we've come across before and I think I could probably speak for my partners in that regard as well.

“As I said, it was a very long and challenging investigation. However, I'm quite comfortable to say that there have been well over 1000 lines of enquiry progressed by the investigation team. We worked tirelessly.

"We used all available resources and we worked closely with our partners to be able to do so.”