Hotels across Chester city centre were recently targeted by police to see how staff respond to potential signs of child exploitation.

An exercise was carried out involving two teams of officers accompanied by two female volunteers aged 14 and 15.

The purpose of the visits were to see how staff would respond to instances of child exploitation and provide training where needed.

As part of the role play, a man attempted to book a double room while accompanied by one of the girls. The man and the 14-year-old girl were provided with bottles of alcohol as props and, if questioned by staff, were instructed to state that they were in a relationship.

Officers assessed whether hotel staff would recognise and challenge the man.

After the scenario was played out, officers gave advice to staff on recognising the indicators of child exploitation, understanding grooming behaviours, and identifying circumstances where adults may be seeking to meet children they have exploited.

DI Sean Lonergan said: "While the majority of hotels either questioned the man or asked for suitable identification, we did highlight some points to staff to help them if a similar scenario should ever happen.

"The aim of the exercise is to educate hotel staff though real-life scenarios and then give them the advice they need to feel confident in dealing with a challenging and sensitive situation.

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"The bottom line is to protect children from sexual exploitation and we can do this by working together with businesses and local authorities, by educating staff, and giving them the tools to play their part in safeguarding children.

"Operation Makesafe is at the heart of a national effort to protect children and young people from predators."

The operation was led by the Western Protecting Vulnerable People and Exploitation (PVPE) team.