Mayoral statement on Chief Constable apology to Child Sexual Exploitation victims

Photo: GMCA

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham at the police, fire and crime panel in January, 2022.

Following the apology of the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, to victims of child sex abuse, the Mayor of Greater Manchester has made a statement. 

Chief Constable Stephen Watson met with three victims in Rochdale yesterday afternoon to apologise, in person, for failures in investigations into their cases.

It's understood the women have been awarded 'substantial' damages.

Mayor Andy Burnham says: “Within days of being elected as Mayor of Greater Manchester I commissioned an independent assurance review into historic child sexual exploitation in Greater Manchester, prompted by The Betrayed Girls documentary and the serious issues raised by Maggie Oliver.  

"The first phase of the review reported in January 2020 and, whilst the review into other areas, including Rochdale, is on-going it is right that action is taken when possible.

“There is no doubt that GMP did fail victims and survivors.

"I am therefore pleased that the new Chief Constable has met with some of the victims of child sexual exploitation from Rochdale and with Maggie Oliver and has delivered an in-person and written apology.

“This marks a clear break with the past behaviour of GMP and I hope it will provide reassurance that, under the new leadership of our Chief Constable, an entirely different approach is being taken to victims and facing up to past mistakes.”

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