A total of 27 cases of sexual abuse have been investigated by the specialised police team, 15 of which have been sent to court for trial, police spokeswoman Eleni Constantinou said on Sunday.

In addition eight cases are currently under investigation while a number more have been completed and are with the state legal service which will decide how to proceed.

Constantinou said for the serious cases still under investigation the police are continuing to gather witnesses and take statements. Some of these cases are nearing completion, she said.