The ringleader of a Rochdale grooming gang that targeted girls as young as 12 has been released from prison.

Shabir Ahmed, who was known as ‘Daddy’ by his victims, was jailed for 22 years in August 2012 for a raft of child sexual offences including rape.

This week his victims were told he would be released on licence and despite earlier promises, could not be deported due to a 55-year-old law.

The BBC understands the now 73-year-old left prison earlier and is now in secure accommodation, wearing a GPS electronically monitored tag.

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