THE city was last night in shock after police smashed a suspected child prostitution gang with dawn raids in quiet family streets.

At least two homes in West Oxford were stormed in the 6am operation involving more than 100 police officers and 14 addresses across Oxford.

Thirteen men were arrested after a six-month investigation into the abuse of 24 girls aged between 11 and 16.

Brian Cox, 70, said he was surprised to see a house targeted in his street. He said: “I was awoken by a huge amount of crashing and banging. There was a large amount of police and cars.

“He is a lovely lad and has lived near me for 25 years. They are a very nice family.”

Jennifer Talbot, 49, said: “It’s a shock because it’s such a nice neighbourhood.

“It’s scary that it can be that close and you wouldn’t even notice.”

And father-of-two Mark Payton, 44, said: “This is a residential street with a lot of children in it. I’m stunned.”

Catherine Carter, 60, another West Oxford resident, said: “It’s disgraceful. It makes me feel sick to be honest.”

About 40 PCSOs and police officers were yesterday patrolling neighbourhoods across Oxford in a bid to reassure residents.

Police believe the crimes had taken place over six years.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith last night said it was worrying the abuse had gone on for so long but said he was glad police had acted.

He said: “It’s absolutely appalling and the whole community will be rightfully shocked.

“It’s a dreadful, dreadful thing and every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood said: “All of us think of trafficking and child exploitation as something that happens somewhere else to other people.

“The fact that so many young girls have been potentially exploited for sex in Oxford is deeply shocking.”

Mohammed Altaf-Khan, city councillor for Headington Hill and Northway, said: “It is awful it has happened in Oxford. It will be interesting to see who is involved and how it will be controlled.”

Jericho and Osney city councillor Susanna Pressel said: “It is very distressing but I’m pleased the police and county council have worked together to put a stop to it.”

Bob Price, leader of the city council, added: “It is not just a UK phenomenon, but it is regrettable when it occurs in our community.”