Police have arresed three men at addresses in Oldham, Rochdale, and Bolton as part of our multiagency investigation into the exploitation of teenage children in Oldham.
The suspects – aged between 34 and 65 – are all currently being questioned on suspicion of rape, with one also under arrest on suspicion of meeting a child following sexual grooming, and causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity or trafficking. These offences pertain to two victims who were under the age of 16 at the time.
Today’s action forms part of Operation Sherwood; a complex and wide-ranging investigation led by our specialist CSE MIT team with support from Oldham’s complex safeguarding hub and in partnership with Oldham Council.
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker, lead for Protecting Vulnerable People, said:
“We are more determined than ever to secure long-awaited justice for the victims and survivors at the centre of our investigation into the exploitation of teenage children in Oldham two decades ago.
“Today’s action is the result of extensive evidence and intelligence gathered as part of our dedicated operation. This work is ongoing, and we are now in a position to actively pursue suspects we have identified.
“Our investigation is moving steadily forward at a speed and in a manner which is right for the victims and survivors. We are taking robust action as soon as we can and in a way that provides the best chance of securing positive judicial outcomes.
“We will not allow the passage of time to become a barrier to justice or relent until we have explored all available lines of enquiry.
“Our team is working closely with specialist support partners to provide bespoke packages to ensure survivors are cared individually for as long as they need.”
