Three arrested in connection with historic CSE cases

Three men suspected of committing non-recent sexual offences against children in Oldham have been arrested.

Greater Manchester Police raided homes in Oldham, Rochdale and Bolton this morning (Wednesday). 

Three suspects, aged between 34 and 65, are 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.

The offences pertain to two victims who were under the age of 16 at the time.

The arrests are part of Operation Sherwood, a specialist police mission looking into historic cases of CSE across Greater Manchester.

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.

Operation Sherwood started in 2022 in response to an independent CSE review into the borough which identified ‘significant failings by police and council services’ in responding to suspected cases of grooming.

GMP and the council have apologised for their failings. 

Speaking about the operation, Assistant Chief Constable Parker added: “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.”

Oldham has been grappling with a difficult legacy of historic CSE cases.

The issue was propelled into the national spotlight after the government decided to reject a council request for a ‘statutory inquiry’, which sparked a public backlash. 

The council supports Operation Sherwood through its complex safeguarding hub.

Work is currently underway to establish a new local inquiry into historic CSE, spearheaded by judge Tom Crowther, who led the CSE inquiry in Telford.

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