Great Yarmouth independent MP Rupert Lowe raised more than £600,000 to launch the ‘Rape Gang Inquiry’, which began its hearings in London on Monday.

Mr Lowe said the inquiry will last for two weeks, with evidence-gathering, testimony and scrutiny focused on grooming gangs across the county and what he described as “the repeated failures by public authorities to act on warnings”.

Mr Lowe said: “This inquiry is about action. We have gathered evidence, we will listen carefully over the coming two weeks, and we will then act.

“Our ultimate objective is justice – including the pursuit of private prosecutions where appropriate. Justice for the girls who were abused. Justice for the families who were ignored.

Mr Lowe’s fundraising for his inquiry started before prime minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a national inquiry into grooming gangs.

Baroness Anne Longfield will lead that inquiry over three years with a budget of £65m.