Two men held in inquiry into female genital mutilation

Two men have been arrested by police investigating claims that female genital mutilation is being offered in the UK.

West Midlands Police said a 55-year-old and a 61-year-old were arrested after officers from the force's public protection unit attended three separate addresses in Birmingham.

Detective Inspector Caroline Marsh said: "We are still in the very early stages of this investigation but I hope this morning's action sends out a clear message about how seriously we are taking these allegations."

The men were arrested on suspicion of offences contrary to the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. A police spokesman said an investigation was launched after the publication of an article in The Sunday Times on 22 April.