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Theresa May has praised the Sunday Mirror's investigation into the Telford abuse scandal as she called for an inquiry to begin 'as quickly as possible'. The Prime Minister said "we have all been shocked" by the "horrific" case, and said she was pleased that an inquiry would happen. During PMQs , Tory Telford MP Lucy Allan said: "Like many towns and cities across the country, Telford has had some experiences of distressing cases of child sexual exploitation." "Will (Mrs May) join me in congratulating two brave women - campaigner Holly Archer and Sunday Mirror journalist Geraldine MckElvey - for their work in bringing this about, and will she agree to do everything possible to ensure this inquiry starts without delay and leaves no stone unturned?" Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Mrs May replied: "I think we have all been shocked by the horrific case that we have seen in Telford of some of the most vulnerable in our country being preyed upon by ruthless criminals. (Image: Sunday Mirror)

"Sadly, of course, this is not the first example that we have seen taking place across our country. "I'm very happy to join (Ms Allan) in congratulating Holly and Geraldine for the work that they have done - this is not easy but it is right that they have brought this to light and that action can be taken. "I am pleased that the authorities are now going to conduct an inquiry: it is, as (Ms Allan) says, important that it begins its work in order to get to the truth and does that as quickly as possible."
After an 18-month Sunday Mirror investigation, Theresa May has called for an inquiry "as quickly as possible" on reported Asian grooming gangs in Telford whereby up to 1,000 girls were lured from their families to be drugged, beaten, raped and even murdered.