More than 1,000 suspects are being investigated by Greater Manchester Police as part of 59 separate child sexual exploitation probes, a new police inspectorate report has revealed.

The force has identified 714 victims and survivors across these active investigations.

The figure of 1,099 suspects is understood to include cases where officers have only been given nicknames or descriptions of alleged abusers, meaning some individuals may feature multiple times.

More than 300 officers have been assigned to investigate child sexual exploitation offences as the country prepares for a national inquiry following the release of Baroness Casey's report last month.

More than 1,000 suspects are being investigated by Greater Manchester Police

The staggering scale of one of Britain's darkest scandals was revealed in findings examining how Greater Manchester Police handles grooming cases today.

The report was commissioned following an inquiry last year that found paedophiles were left free to groom new victims because police and council bosses ignored abuse of young girls.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson acknowledged those findings were "shameful" and issued a "heartfelt apology" to victims.

The latest inspectorate findings praise the force for improving its investigation methods, noting that it now has large and well-resourced teams.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson acknowledged those findings were 'shameful' and issued a 'heartfelt apology' to victims

However, the report identifies that 10 of 74 children who were likely sexually exploited between 2003 and 2013 had not received "an appropriate level of service" from Greater Manchester Police.

Some victims may have lost trust due to "victim-blaming" language used previously, according to the report.

Watson acknowledged that victims had been "failed in the past" but said the report showed "significant improvements" had been made.

He added: "To those who are responsible for these repugnant crimes as is now very apparent we will pursue you relentlessly."

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said the findings meant 'people can have confidence that today's approach is fit for purpose'

Inspector of Constabulary Michelle Skeer also said: "It is clear that the force has for many years been trying to provide a better service to those who have or may have experienced sexual exploitation.

"But for some, trust and confidence in the police had been lost, and the force would not be able to rectify their experiences."

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said the findings meant "people can have confidence that today's approach is fit for purpose".

He added: "I am confident in my view that the Greater Manchester system is in a demonstrably different and far stronger place today than it was when the failings happened."