Child rape charge

AN Oldham man and three others have been charged with child sex offences as part of a continuing investigation into child sexual exploitation in Rochdale.

Shohaib Shabbir (28), of Copster Hill Road, Oldham, has been charged with rape and sexual activity with a child. He is due to appear before Bury and Rochdale Magistrates on Friday.

Mohammed Ishaque (55), of Denton Street, Rochdale, has been charged with inciting a child to engage in prostitution and will appear alongside him.

Irshad Wani (38), of Whitworth Road, Rochdale, has been charged with seven counts of sexual activity with a child and one of child grooming. He will next appear at Manchester Crown Court on July 6.

Gul Zaman (42), of HMP Manchester, has been charged with one count of rape and will appear at Manchester Crown Court on July 10.

In 2007, the victim, who is under 16, was raped and assaulted in the Rochdale area.