Investigations into non-recent cases of child grooming and sexual exploitation are intensifying across Oldham and Greater Manchester, with multiple arrests made.
This enforcement activity is the result of meticulous evidence gathering, building trust with survivors, and working closely with them and partner agencies to pursue every lead.
Specialist officers executed five warrants and arrested five men in Oldham today (Wed).
All suspects were arrested on suspicion of rape of a child and remain in custody for questioning.
The men – aged between 38 and 51 – were arrested following disclosures from two survivors about offences taking place between 2011 and 2014 in Oldham.
These arrests form part of Operation Sherwood, a complex and wide-ranging investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation and group-based sexual abuse in Oldham. To date, 21 suspects have been arrested as part of this dedicated operation.
The team is focused on identifying offenders linked to non-recent offences, working closely with survivors and partner agencies to build strong evidence. Officers are committed to supporting survivors throughout the process and leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
On Monday, September 22, officers arrested a man – aged 47- at an address in Longsight on suspicion of rape of a child as part of Operation Green Jacket.
Additionally, officers arrested two further suspects on Monday, September 15. Both men, aged 38 and 40 from Rotherham and Leeds, were arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in relation to offences alleged to have occurred in 2004 in Longsight, Manchester.
These arrests follow a warrant executed last month in Longsight, where a man – aged 52 – was arrested on suspicion of rape and arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, in connection with an offence dating back to 2007.
All suspects have been bailed on strict conditions pending further investigations.
Separately, on Wednesday, September 17, officers charged Ralf Bell (59) of, Green Lane, Stockport with three counts of possessing pseudo-photograph of a child covering categories A, B, and C images from 2012-2015.
He is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on January 22, 2025.
Operation Green Jacket was launched following a review of missed opportunities of Op Augusta, a major CSE investigation in South Manchester in 2003 to 2005.
The investigations are focused on identifying those responsible for targeting vulnerable young people across South Manchester. The survivors at the centre of these cases are being updated and will continue to receive specialist support from our partnership agencies as long as they need.
On Friday, September 12, officers arrested a man - aged 74 – on suspicion of two counts of rape of a child.
This came just a day after another man, aged 79, was arrested at an address in the Castleton area of Rochdale, also on suspicion of two counts of child rape.
In the past month, four arrests have been made as part of Operation Exmoor—a dedicated investigation launched in 2021 to review missed opportunities relating to sexual offences in Rochdale between 2008 and 2010.
The two victims – now both women – are being kept updated and supported by specialist officers and support agencies. All four suspects have been interviewed and released on bail with strict conditions, as detectives continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to build a robust case for court.
Detective Superintendent Alan Clitherow, head of GMP’s Child Sexual Exploitation Major Investigation Team, said: “Our investigations into non-recent child sexual exploitation are intensifying across Greater Manchester, and these latest arrests and results reflect the relentless work of our officers.
“These are complex, and wide-ranging investigations and our specialists’ investigative team are working tirelessly to build robust case files that put child abusers behind bars.
“We are determined not to let the passage of time stand in the way of securing justice for survivors.”
“We continue to work closely with survivors and support agencies to ensure they are supported every step of the way. If you have experienced abuse, or know someone who has, please come forward—support is available, and your voice will be heard.”
Support available:
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
TPE welcomes new graduates
Memorial plinth erected for babies in unmarked graves
Great Minds Together Launch Campaign for Schools, Care and Residential settings to Stop Using Punitive Behaviour Policies and Replace with Therapeutic and Trauma-Informed Approaches
‘We were abused as children – now we’re being ignored by the government and Oldham council’
