Five men – aged between 37 and 54 have been arrested on suspicion of rape as part of a complex and wide-ranging investigation into grooming and child sexual exploitation in Oldham between 2011 and 2014.
The arrests follow a disclosure from an Oldham survivor that forms part of a complex and wide-ranging investigation codenamed ‘Operation Sherwood’
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, lead for Protecting Vulnerable People, said: “The survivors at the centre of these cases have placed their trust in the GMP of today, and have the confidence to support prosecutions, which we hold to the highest regard.
“We are working closely with them, while they receive tailored support from partnership agencies, moving forward at a pace and in a manner that is right for them.
“Our investigative teams are piecing together all the evidence and taking robust action as soon as we can. Bringing child abusers to justice is why our detectives work so tirelessly day-in day-out. It’s essential we get this right and build strong case files to present the best possible case in court.
“We are now making significant strides in our pursuit and activity is only going to continue ramping up. We will not allow time to be a barrier to justice and any abusers in Oldham or beyond should be warned that we are coming for them.”
