The charges relate to two girls, aged in their early to mid-teens at the time of the alleged offences, and are said to have happened between August 2023 and May 2025 in Norwich.

All seven men spoke only to confirm their names when they appeared before magistrates in Norwich earlier.

Police said the men’s immigration status was “refugee”.

Five of the defendants entered the country on small boats, according to the police.

One came to the UK concealed on a lorry and another arrived via a port.