THE mother of a child sex grooming victim today begged social services to move her daughter out of the county for her own protection.

The council defended its decision not to send children away but the mother-of-three said she believed her 15-year-old daughter would be murdered or addicted to drugs if she was not moved away from the gang of men who have ruined her life.

Her daughter, who was lured into sexually exploiting herself aged just 14, is in local authority care in Blackburn after repeatedly going missing from home to spend time with the men - who are predominantly from the Asian community.

But today Julie (not her real name) said that despite this her daughter was still being sexually exploited and must be temporarily moved out of the area to truly be free of this gang.

She said: "Lindsey (not her real name) is in care as at the time we thought that might put a stop to this. It hasn't.

"I fear for her safety every day as I know she is still involved with this gang who are abusing her for sex.

"I want her out of the county and out of these scumbags' clutches but I don't feel that social services are listening to me.

"I am her mum but yet I feel like I am being kept in the dark about what is going on with my own daughter.

"Putting her in care in Blackburn has not stopped this happening. The only thing that will save her is to move her to somewhere they can't get to her and she can't get to them.

"If she is out of this vicious circle she will have time to reflect and realise what these men have done to her. Hopefully then we will get our little girl back."

An investigation by the Lancashire Telegraph last month revealed that up to 100 girls aged between 12 and 16 in East Lancashire had been groomed into childhood prostitution by gangs of men.

Our Keep Them Safe' campaign, aimed at helping them, is backed by MPs, the police, social services, children's charities, community leaders and the parents of victims.

One of its aims is to set up an overnight refuge for child victims of sexual exploitation from East Lancashire. Blackburn with Darwen social services in conjunction with police have overseen the removal of other young girls who had become embroiled with these gangs.

One 14-year-old girl, Marie (not her real name) has turned her life around after being moved to a foster home in North Wales.

She has returned to education, come off drugs and is no longer involved in sexual exploitation. It is hoped she will return to her family home within the next month.

Peter Morgan, director of children's services at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We cannot comment on individual cases, as this would breach our legal duty of confidentiality.

"In line with government guidance, the council aims to keep looking after children placed within the borough. Services to meet individual children's assessed needs are more readily accessible within the borough and plans can be much more flexible when services are delivered locally.

"Outcomes for children placed away from their home area are generally less good than those who stay close to their community, family and friends. Placement in the local area also ensures continuity of schooling and access to health services."